I don't think the "we had to do it when it was harder" argument holds up.
Day one after release, you weren't dealing with other players in overpowered and overengineered ships killing you for no reason. Perhaps you were dealing with players of equivalent ships killing you for no reason.
Doesn’t change the fact that everyone has access to the same tools, and modes. There are also clear descriptions of each game mode. Before, there were not.
So what if a noob is killed for no reason? What does it cost, a bit of their time? Either they will learn to play another mode, or they will find their way. Perhaps a mix of both, at their convenience.
I myself started just before the release of Horizons— it was only after my encounters with hostile players months later that I began to engineer myself— predominantly in open. It is not difficult to learn to survive, and engineering is more accessible than ever.
There's also something to be said about how engineering itself has widened the gap between new ships and fully upgraded ships.
Again, we all have access to the same tools. Nobody was simply granted an engineered ship. Anyone who has joined us post-horizons and found their way is proof that it is very much possible to succeed late in the game.
I’ll agree that the gap is much wider, but at the same time, a new, equal baseline has been established post 3.0.
And perhaps the "whining" by looking for solutions is putting in "effort" towards overcoming this obstacle. Are you just mad because people aren't solving the problem the way you want them to?
Mad? No, of course not. However, I do enjoy riduculing adults who give up and cry instead of playing the game. I’ve gotten better at doing so politely over the years, as I’ve had a lot of practice.
I feel a common “Wah griefers bad!” post is vastly different from an “I need help, do you have advice?” post. Guiding along rookies is part of what has kept me playing for so long. I will always help when and where I am able.
Still, It is up to the individual to accept open for what it is, and realize that you’re going to blow up sometimes. It happens to the best of us, and is hardly a big deal.
I wonder what it'd be like if people of other gameplay styles started complaining about new players wanting a better experience. "Man, these guys go 1000 ly, break a fuel scoop, and go crying to the fuel rats! Back in my day we jumped uphill both ways to Beagle Point with a 10 ly FSD range. In the snow!"
I will also continue to tease people who complain about their 50ly range being insufficient. That’s incredible range, and anything over 30 is still great. We’ve just been spoiled!
I agree that a lot of the people who play the game have tried out the different playstyles, especially if they've been playing for awhile. More cynical thinking leads me to believe that gankers sitting at Deciat with their rank 5 engineering upgrades likely went for the guardian ruins in solo mode. Can't really blame them, there's gankers all around.
It is known that if you’re really trying to get something done, solo/PG is preferred. Not only will you be unbothered, but you won’t have to compete for materials with any friendly or neutral CMDRs who are also present. Same could be said for bounty hunting CGs— if you’re not being attacked, there are simply not enough targets to go around once enough friendly wings have gathered.