Been playing this game since about the end of 2022, so I've permanently felt in catch up mode to compete, but sucked it up cos I really enjoyed the mechanics and IP. Bought some of the LSB's and spent a little bit here 'n' there when i really wanted to, but usually ignored new characters (at minimum 'til they were single drop farmable).
This update feels like a kick in the balls, the Galactic Challenge change being 50% pay to win is especially egregious and has put a real sour taste in my mouth. For day to day progression this was a great source of income, and now seems worse in every way to engage with - especially for smaller accounts.
I liked the idea of the new rewards track and change of how we get to spend the currency, but there being so few ways to earn and collect without the new character has just made me mad as it feels like I'll be earning less than previously.
Don't see myself quitting just yet, but sure as hell i'm not giving CG any more money until they make it better for free to play. Many players in my guild are already dooming as we are mainly F2P players who buy LSBs and we just see this as getting less from CG.
I do like the UI update generally and the quests etc would be fine if they weren't so pay to win.
Also the Episode pass being £20 per 28 days is OUTRAGEOUS. I would encourage people not to buy it in protest as this is the only way CG will listen to us.