I use Discord to say a match has just started rather than to try and plan one, sometimes get 3-4 people jumping straight in. Discord has saved CQC on XB for me.
I generally go for pot-luck in terms of time, but aim for USA timezone players so 6pm onwards, weekends maybe earlier, got a good match last Sunday around 14.00 - 15.00. Last night at 19.00 got few full matches.
Havent managed to get any game of CTF or TDM yet, annoying as more winners so more points for everyone

Have sat with 3 players in TDM for 15 minutes
low level - just stick with it, it is easier at higher level of course but skill does count for a lot and Im amazed how much better I am now with low level ships than I was when I fist unlocked them, although obviously I use GU97 with heat beam now Ive got them

you get points for finishing so you will get to the better ships. Gang up on the Eagles and Sideys, try not to attack if they have 3 shields in a busy game, someone else will kill you first, wait until someone else damages them or is attacking them and join in...look for the person being attacked and join in then attack the attacker....look for beams and follow them to target, easier than finding them on radar sometimes...learn where the power-ups are, especially the red weapons and blue shields one for beginners....pip management is crucial and different for every loadout...don't be afraid to hit n run and dont get attached to one target, the one flashing in radar is the one attacking you. I hated it at first and the loadouts are rubbish but you will get there and it is good fun with a busy game. Some people are flying demons & fighting monsters, just try and learn from them while you rank up. Most are happy to chat or accept friends and give advice or invite you to forums or discord etc
However, if you want the buzz with better 'game', try joining multi crew bounty hunting and take a fighter out, I love it the only downside is you don't get mats. I often fly zero pips to shields doing this, theyre just not needed most of the time.
Better yet, do both, they both pay off into the other and are great fun.