I too hope that the economy creates a balance where it isnt to the tryhards advantage to prey on noobs, sadly its possible to go into some matches, totally ignore the objective and focus only on not dying and KDR (as a sniper, for example--though many snipers are objective-based players) as long as there are even small rewards.

we can never forget that these tryhards are motivated by EGO and stats they're obsessed with crafting despite the fact that they'd have you believe their stats are a result of their play and not the other way around. they'll also be the ones that will quit out of matches that are going badly if there arent consequences.

i think this is the reason the contracts need to be as unforgiving as the learning cliff. while you should gain SP in a losing match--the ISK reward should be zero IMO.

and quitting? oh my....quitting should have the worst consequences in the history of FPS. I've got my fingers crossed for a DCUO style constantly synching server that will drop you right back the last place you left and remember exactly how many times you died despite your shenanigans.

Not to downplay the OP or anything, but in a way the steep learning curve can help filter out those kinds of players that are too lazy to learn how to use their brains. We have this setup with Eve Online as well. Considering that you have a year of experience in Eve, you would know this as capsuleers have a very strong "adapt or die" attitude because we don't want WoW players with entitlement issues playing Eve Online we don't ever want to see brainless FPS lone wolves trying to run things around here.

Background:

*Hitboxes WTF!!! Numerous hit markers and no damage being dealt happens way too often. I've also had enemies running directly at me while I have the reticle on their chest/head and I get 0 hit markers but they drop as they would if they were taking damage the whole time. Hitbox of structures/gun emplacements/rocks all seem to encompass player hitboxes from time to time.

I think the biggest risk for people leaving the game in droves is ignorance. If a noob joins a game and gets slaughtered and then goes WTF just happened and this goes on for a few matches. I am sure he will just quit and tell all his friends how bad the game is.

My solution to this would be an after battle report with suggestions. It could say:

You were killed by these guys using these weapons.
- Try training these skills and using these weapons to counter them.
Also your aim sucked.
- It can be improved by training this skill.
Your HP was way below average.
- It can be improved with these modules or these suits.

You also managed to kill these guys and did a total of 1 000 000 Isk damage.

This would give the guy some hope that maybe he didn't suck so bad and that there are stuff he could do to get better.