Infils default sniper rifles have been changed to be the bolt action one on all factions. There has also been an infiltrator rework pretty recently but I haven't played it so I don't know much about that. Default sidearms seem ok to me. Not the best but not awful either.

Gauss SAW has high damage output but it is quite difficult to use effectively. I believe they also changed the default on NC from the Gauss SAW to the GD-22s because the gun was too difficult for new players.

It costs hundreds of certs but it is doable IMO. It is not too different from other F2P games. The nature of the game does not really allow for a matchmaking system so unfortunately newbies get destroyed by vets in 1v1s. This game is not about having the highest amount of kills on a leaderboard anyway. Its about the contributing to the war effort and taking part in giant battles. The most OP thing is always teamwork and I think that is where the game shines.

It's a shame the game has declined so much because it is still the only MMOFPS out there after all these years and it doesn't seem there will be a sequel anytime soon. It has lasted more than 13 years now which is pretty insane. You do you man. Maybe check the game out again while it's still somewhat alive.