I have read all your posts and I agree with all. I am divided.
Before the patch, I tried and gave up c-RPG because it was too tough to advance my character. My under-equipped peasant could just get killed on and on by advanced characters. So frustrating.
Now I do like it as it is now but... somehow I miss the difficulty of the old system. I mean, by then I strived to reach level 6 and when I could press the Buy button to get me a leather vest, I was so happy. I felt the challenge and appreciated the reward.
Now I can afford the complete equipment list and only patience will bring me to level 31. I play with no goal. Weird to say but I would like to fight and sweat again to just to be able to buy me a leather vest and a decent weapon (yes, I like pain).
So, my suggestion would be to let the XP as it is now (falling every tick with multiplier) so new and/or unskilled players are not blocked in advancing their character. On the other hand, Gold should be earned per kill and assist (standing close from the action as pre-patch) so the game remains motivating.