100 percent it’s a grind. My suggestions -
Don’t worry about missing out (this is tough)
There’s probably always an event you cannot beat or maybe even enter.
There are a lot of great guides on who to farm and when and why. PHX allieviates a lot. And at least you don’t have to go through the devs triple downing on rebels. (Wiggs, PHX, CLS)
Gear sucks. I once had hope it would get better, it didn’t for a long time. Now it’s a bit better after 2 and a half years.
Guilds. Guilds are probably the main reason why a lot of people still play. I feel like they don’t get the credit they should. Get a good guild that fits you. Build and grow with them.
Complain away. It’s your right. Complain and then suggest things to make it better.