I started playing back in September, and I didn't really experience the struggle you're describing... I used my experience from my GC days and started with a Greenill RAmar and got a Justy as quickly as possible. The relatively massive HP of enemies is a lot less daunting when you're halving it with every hit. You actually got more help than I did, as I was only given a Red Scorpio for starting out... Also, hit and run tactics are very useful if you're having trouble surviving Ultimate (which I still have to do at times.) If you're having trouble with Baranz, (and yes, they are a giant pain the the rear), try hunting something that you can kill more safely... Then go back to the Baranz when you feel more confident. (Besides, I think that the Iron Faust is practically endgame level gear on this server.)