HA isn't an easy place to get into. I think you have to be pretty determined if you want to have any amount of success here.
My journey to r3 was initially a struggle but I took steps to learn what builds were flavour of the day. For example when you stand around in HA you will see groups looking for SF ele or expel rit. You need to learn what these builds are and also learn how to use them.
I am surprised that there are not unranked groups forming. There certainly was when I used to play in HA. They generally used the latest gimmick build of the day( in my case heroway).
I could sometimes blag my way into ranked groups by messaging the group leader who was looking for a particular build by saying "i may not be rank x but i know the build well and have played it many times". Or something along those lines. Basically be friendly but try to come across as if you know what you are doing(Which i basically did, but was a bit rough round the edges).
Over a period of days you will naturally come to add some players as friends and may be called occasionally by pplayers while not even in HA to join groups.
So to sum up. Is it difficult to get into? YES.
Does it get easier? YES.
Is it worth it? Of course!
C

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