I think I realized just now that the only reason I'm getting anywhere in this game is because I constantly ask my friends for advice on where to go next (putting aside the leveling help Gen gives me).

No new player could possibly play this game in any efficient way without an insider. Is there any way to get around the steep learning curve of a large, complex system? I'm still in the dark as to what areas are good for leveling, and I'm level 30.