Really you shouldn't make judgements without actually reading forward in the story.

While he doesn't have to 'struggle' like a newb, what MC does these days honestly?

I've gone through the story 2x and still enjoy it for being a complete story instead of dragging on or dropping off. He's got other things to work out coming up including giants, meeting other world level hunters, and interesting characters, not to mention finding out where the 'game' and his being a 'player' fits into everything and beyond. Plenty in store for both fans and new converts.