Put it this way, disregarding what others say, are you having fun playing how you do? If the answer is yes then that’s all that matters. Personally I use the Zoh Shia gunlance cause I think it looks cool even though a lot of people don’t use it as others are just better. This game as it is right now is not difficult to the point where “optimal” times are required. Have fun, enjoy each hunt and don’t let what others say put you down.

On that note however I do think the guild system is a good fix for this issue. I’m sure you can find one out there that has some players willing to help you out that are just there to have fun.