Optimism is contagious around here. I’ve been playing this game since launch and have seen how ridiculous the tuning is every time a “hard” event launches. Maxing normal doesn’t mean a thing because Sector 1 in hard mode is tuned a full relic level above the Hardest node in normal. How you do is going to depend on whether you could clear sector 5 on normal without any discs. If you can’t do that, don’t bother because you won’t have any going in.
I tested that strategy and it’s the only reason I have any assurances regarding getting to crate 1 or higher. If you couldn’t clear s5 normal with no discs, you’re going to have a really hard time here. It’s all about that first sector...it’s going to make or break your entire attempt.
So far I think it’s conceivable to hit box 1 in hard provider you have at least 3 top tier teams. No GL needed, but if you don’t have them you better have 3 top tier r7 meta teams, (2 of which are SE and Padme), god mods, and a lot of patience. You can probably brute force it that way.