I've only been playing solo since the patch - and pretty much only DZ03 and DZ04 bar extractions - but it's just the perfect balance of tension and cooperation right now.
In the past day alone I've managed to get 4 HE's and numerous purples. A number of these drops were upgrades (was at about 120K / 70K Health / 22K Skill, now roughly 139/75/22) and all extracted successfully despite rogue attacks on a couple of attempts. Drop rates are definitely in-line with what I wanted to see.
Here's some of the latest concerns from my experiences:
It's just a kill fest now with people just ganking people
It's also a pretty massive map. Rogues are usually contained to one group from what I've found, any more and they tend to cancel each other out after awhile. My point is though, I've seen a pack of four rogues close to me numerous times, not once have I been put down by them.
One of the best elements of The Division is how concealed regular agents are in the DZ. It's not uncommon for me to run away from someone suspicious tailing me, and after bouncing down an alley, round a corner, past a truck and then behind a barrier I see them run straight past.
With some strategy and by staying alert you shouldn't just be "running into rogues" and thus shouldn't be killed by them. Be aware, check corners and clear extractions before going in close.
You shouldn't be getting 'ganked by surprise' much if you're actually aware if your surroundings. Certainly not by four people. If you're on your own with stuff to extract, running to an extraction point, and you see four others - especially with no loot - then run. I mean you're taking unneccesary risks if you having stuff you mind losing.
SURVIVOR LINK
Yes, it's irritating when there's a stale meta (Thorn anyone?) but you also have that skill. Knowing when to pop it and reacting quickly can get you out of these situations. Obviously it's not easy-peasy but I have won a 2 vs 1 situation with them using SL and me not just from running around, using obstacles, throwing a grenade inbetween us etc.
It also has a pretty long recharge time and I do like it to some extent. I don't wish for a nerf, personally, I just wish for alternate skill buffs that can compete and counteract. I use mine in combat but honestly find it more broken in extractions. 80% of the time I pop it in front of 6-7 yellow elites at 31 and just stand there extracting. Who cares if you go down afterwards? That should be addressed.
Combat though, I get the moans but you can deal with it. You have (or should have) the skill to use as well and unless you're in a 4 vs 1 situation (see the last segment) then you shouldn't be getting fucked by it.
Why don't they care about PvE, why is it only PvP?
The Dark Zone isn't a PvP arena, it's a pvp-enabled zone. I have gone hours in the Dark Zone without shooting another person, or having been shot by another person. This ties into the 'play smart' message above but really, it is entirely possible to have a PvE-only experience in the Dark Zone quite a lot of the time.
Most of my drops come from clearing checlpoints in DZ03 on my own. Every HE drop bar the one I stole has been while playing solo in the Dark Zone, leading to some of the most intense nerve-racking moments of gameplay trying to extract - even when no one is shooting me or hunting me. It's the knowledge they can, and it's that that works so well in the Dark Zone.
As for being a PvE player, that's very much the majority of what I've done in the Dark Zone and it's been very enjoyable. Just keep an eye on the area, move slowly, clear places and progress. Always check behind you and just concentrate on keeping your health up and not letting any NPC's flank.
I love this game, and I love the current state of the Dark Zone. I just wanted to put this out there as if this is - by and large - what Massive intended for this game to be then I am very pleased with the result.
There are bugs, there are required fixes for things, there needs to be more in some areas but as far as the Dark Zone goes - massive thanks from me.
When I walk in I feel like I'm going through the gates of Jurassic Park and it's interesting how stepping out of it can make you feel like you're 'returning to normal' in a world that's still ravaged by devastation and crime, and for a large part of the game is seen as the 'all gone to shit' scenario.