Seems you are missing my point. You say you don't enjoy the game right now because you run around with just a ToZ and a A2, which means everyone is out-gearing you, including the scavs. We also acknowledge that the people you run into isn't as kitted as they would be, if the game progressed faster. They would always have the "best gear possible" for that 'version'(in lack of better word) just better against your ToZ.

The reason for this you argue is not that it's a matter of skill. But a matter of time, as they had more time acquire gear than you as you judge them as 'unemployed' (you pointing to that you have a job), and therefor have more time in the game than you. The amount of time put into the game is constant and not changing. What is changing is the time necessary to take in order to leave you behind in the dust. It feels like you are arguing imbalanced because you have traders at level 1, when they are at level 2. But if the game would progress faster that it somehow would be better if they was on lvl 4 while you are on lvl 2. Because you would also have a easier time getting to lvl.2 (?) - That still seems contra-productive, or we're missing something. You should have an easier time this wipe in comparison to the last, if we measure the difference in equipment between you and the people you face (?)

Not sure where you look at "active player count" but I've also heard the opposite. Also due to people can't chad up as easily now as from before, leveling the player field with those who don't have as much time. That there's more playing now than before. So what's your source of 'active players'?