Guessing your friends are still stuck in the pre-Forsaken version of Destiny then and haven't realized the changes on the leveling or gear acquisition. It's all challlenge based now, no longer a token-fest. Random rolls are back, and difficult content exists (instead of everyone just spamming public events to max). But I wouldn't suggest buying/pre-ordering anything from this franchise knowing your mindset on what you want. You're better off with games like ESO.