Thrawn Event 7* too hard - impossible to clear with reasonable gear and mods!!

I've always thought these should be harder...but as a DS user I have to admit I feel a bit peeved that Thrawn has such a high hurdle for build requirements in terms of all newer characters AND pretty tough gear reqs on those characters.....and R2 was a handout / cakewalk and he is / will be more impactful for arena given his kit and team synergy. R2 is also great in raids as well, like Thrawn.

I'll have Thrawn 7* here in a few days...but I don't understand the discrepancy in the events.