returning players and needing advice from the community

I believe the opposite. Me not being a top player or not having many of the meta toons would mean I wouldnt be able to cruise to top ranks even in a newer shard. A newer shard, not a new one. Cant put a lvl 85 there, lol.

And i said so myself, it is possible to make a comeback to a decent spot, but it takes a lot of time and patience. Restarting sounds like the better option for me.