I haven't played for the past few months. I hopped back on a few days ago and have already gained about 25 levels. I infused some weapons and armor and even master worked a Blast furnace. I spent an hour or so grinding the tangled shore and 3 of spider bounties for cores. I am pretty close to the same amount of cores as when I first started a few days ago. What is the problem? This idea that the progression system is completely broken is bullshit. It can be improved for sure, which they are planning to do with gunsmith bounties.