@ThaosSkywalker - I do not disagree -- but the bulk of the game is still toons and toon events - ships are still up in the aether. To start to focus ships to 3* in the Zeta event will be the most advantageous. It's not REALLY part of the current discussion, but also it is... players start the game and don't have the least bit of info to decide what course to take... and they end up half-acing it.
To the recent posts. Just because Sith is current meta it doesn't mean anything to newer players. from what I've seen when new players post on here -- they are kind of going through all the 'old' meta's on their leaderboards. When you see a #nerfrey post, it's kind of funny, but it shows that hosts of players are kind of going through the same transitions as the older players went through. Or, fumbling, as I'd call it.
You ultimately want all factions, if only so that when new events come out you can participate. Until you've been playing for a year it's all about focus.
But I have no doubt that a new player sticky should list out a sampling of Rebels and Scoundrels - and explain how it'll give them ~ 2 teams, which will get them through GW, Arena, LS battles, the Heist, Cantina, and eventually Palpatine.
The Scoundrels will get them through some of the DS nodes they need and the crit mod farm, which is all around useful.
Mentioning using crystals for gear rather then refreshes is important too. People will always do what they want, but at least they know about the option and how it could be more efficient.
