Portal is such a nightmare still

Really killing any interest for me when there's a constant issue trying to join a portal server. Since Hardcore in base game is watered down, I have to go to load into portal games, which is entirely fine if it didnt boot me from the loading screen 5 or more times before getting in. 

Online fixes state I should use a VPN which will either cause latency issues or require me to dig in my pockets for money I don't want to spend. 

Since beta, there's been a massive issue with getting booted back to menu from the loading screens. Please fix this, im incredibly tired of trying at this point.