I like your point about the irony. Very understandable. The grind, though, is almost like a universal standard. Every game becomes repetitive after a certain point, with time invested typically translating to better stats and stronger avatars. Skill is best honed through repetition and experience, so I don't know how else the game can better achieve player progression. I also understand the desire for matchmaking. Personally, I just use Bungie's site to find people to play with, but I can see the benefit of having the option of matchmaking in-game. About not joining a clan--I get that. I am in one now, but it is mostly just so I can guarantee that I have people to raid with. Elsewise, I am mostly a lone-wolf type of player, even in online based games like this. Soloing Nightfall missions is something I enjoy doing. I would recommend at least joining a group on Bungie's site, not a clan, and watching for people who post about the missions you are interested in. Heck, broadcast it yourself so people know you are available. That is how my first VoG run was set up.