I genuinely think that the new equipment feature is a fantastic idea as it enables new players to quickly compete on the same stage as us old super strong vets. However, it has been poorly implemented and in a rush, resulting in a PR disaster.
GREE. If you had implemented this with a simple algorithm to start with, then you would have been onto a winner. All you needed to do is make it so that when a player wins in 2/3 areas they win overall. Over time you then could have added other areas, thus continually enabling new players to come on stage and compete.
This would have made it a rewarding game for new and old players alike. Why you have decided to introduce such a huge random element to the algorithm.... God knows why (though I already know what my fellow forum members will answer). Perhaps you can explain and put to bed the accusations.
Good day 2u and Happy Holidays to all.