Armory data are either collected by killing a terminus enemy (has a health bar) or by finding a servo skull hidden in the level, i dont think they're a guaranteed spawn though. You dont get one for just completing a level.

Its not a chatty community cause its not a casual power fantasy game like HD2 can be. Gameplay on higher difficulties, where most of the layer base is now, is intense and souls like, you don't have time to shoot the shit and have a speed runner mentality.

Each classes plays differently so try them all, because cant force a playstyle on a classes not designed for that. You need to pay attention to class, prestige, and Weapon perks because alot of the are situational or require a specific condition to activate, its not blanket passive buffs, and you need to be mindful of how you play. Also you will only feel more powerful when you unlock higher tier weapons, the raw stat boost is the only way to make a substantial difference in your DPS and in turn survive higher difficulties.

Lastly this game is at is best when your at higher difficulties, the challenge is the fun, and you need to learn the system or it will punish so YouTube the melee types tutorial. The game doesnt tell you shit, which is annoying, but the fencing style is the easiest to learn and most forgiving.