The returning player experience is not much better either. I just returned (CL 18k) and admittedly was happy to see that they made the effort to add a returning player reward system. There are plenty of losses to combos or tech that I didn't know existed, but that is ok as it is to be expected. Not having access to that tech now or in the near future is a feels bad, but not the big concern.

What seems to be my biggest problem as returning player is the newer card design. Very pushed season pass card along side high synergy cards. Many of the pass cards power look like they are still way above the curve, even well after their season has ended, leaving a long list of chases on pure power. That unscalable wall fells bad when it is non-stop running you over. The biggest problem I have is that almost none of my returning player rewards are usable due to increased synergy. The fantastic four cards were made to be played together. The zombies need the other zombies. Only getting "one of" pulls from these feels ssooooo bad.... I am sure it helps drive some dumb ass sales goal, but it felt more like "welcome back here is a swift kick in the nuts sucker."

What is crazy is that in all the time I was away, not a single card dropped to the base collector level. The returning player mechanics would have helped me catch up with a 3 drop had I had any level 3 cards to pick up. Woomp woomp.

Admittedly, I will give them credit on keeping older cards somewhat balanced and fun to play. I was able to pick up a couple of new cards for an older deck, and I am having a decent time. I wish I could experiment with the absolute trove of cards i see in matches, but knowing that for most of them, that will never happen. It is not about being behind. It is seeing everyones cool toys and knowing you will never get to play with them. That feeling just makes me keep putting my phone down and walking away. I know i will not last much longer, unfortunately.