a looter shooter is supposed to be a challenge right?

Is it though? It's mostly repeatable content that you make easier by looting.

It's a 3rd person shooter, it's never going to be the pinnacle of pvp skill. If you want good pvp then play a different game imo.

What this game does give you is gear advantages and the element of surprise due to uncertainty. Both things that shift the balance of the engagement.

If anything I'd say those are crutches for those who can't handle a true level playing field skill-based pvp experience.

It hasn't kept me out of the dz but I'm not going in looking for pvp because I can get better pvp elsewhere.