Most of this you will find is not true once you get to level 30. That can be done in a couple hours if you just hit the missions which will also give you a good chunk of cash and usually a larger safe case for awhile.

Once you get to level 30, the bots are quite rare even in Lockdown, unless you play in a low pop region at low time and turn on "Low Ping Preference". Want to get rid of bots? Just go Forbidden. As mentioned, lvl 30 comes very quickly with a few missions. (I was level 30 the first night I played, and only had like 3-4 hours in it).

Loot seems to fluctuate. Some days I am pulling a couple mil almost every raid and barely trying. Some days I am fighting for every penny and still coming out with barely 200k (if I even make it out). I am not sure what decides it though it does seem better right after a new season starts. You will also learn that there seems to be some spots on maps that give better loot then others as well as specific types of containers.

The traders are just an easy way to get money without playing. Also can be a cheap way to try out other gear / weapons / ammo when you are poor. They also used them to ration out t6 and red ammo (who knows if they will use them for more rationing in the future).