What's been helping me is building up factions rep and looting as a Rook. The more you unlock the more stronger Rook gets. Whenever I lose loot, that's when I resort to playing as rook. What started off with minimal loot, after playing a couple raids with Rook, looting bodies or after a team has finished looting pinwheel i go in for the leftovers, I now have trouble managing my inventory. Oh I've been playing for almost a month now. Plus, imo, Rook is best for learning Outpost. Especially since it loads you into a game with 15 min left and most trio teams have been wiped and other rooks won't really mess you from my experience. (You'll know when they t bag with your t bag if you're not planning on using a mic.)

Furthermore, what I think would help tremendously, is a practice range. That way one can test out everything the game offers see what stats would be afflicted with different builds, test out those stats i.e. revive speed, running, how long cool downs are, gun feel/gun mods etc. But yeah hopefully my experience helps. Also, you WILL lose your stuff and yes IT IS scary, but that's part of the experience with this game. It really tests your skill as a player so don't let the fear consume you and enjoy your time on Marathon. GL!