The grind is real.
On one hand, I think Classes are very well suited right out of the gates to be more 'fuck shit up' than before. The newbie curve definitely has a higher minimum.
However, I was always a fan of karma = skill bumps, though the system has changed much and was really dependent on Staff at the time. I do believe Sponsored Roles are still given considerable skill love besides their starting skills, so a Byn Sergeant isn't going to be a scrub right out of the gates. The downside? You are a Byn Sergeant for life. So...If you want both independence for your PC and great skills, it takes time and patience.