Sorry for the wall - Honestly, in my opinion and experience, it certainly can be. And considering how flawless the action combat is, I think just the pure enjoyment from that is more worth it than people give credit for. I originally played from 2013-2016 and then returned again from 2020-2022. The catch up was extremely easy (as in handed out gear packages for the "base new content", but I was already level 80 so the tedious leveling was already done (on my main)

When I came back, I had actually played some of the new characters as alts for fun, so I started from level 0. I think I did Sylas, Belle, Grimden, and Kael, but mostly played Belle and Kael. I think I had gotten them all to 70-80, and maybe Belle and Kael to 85-90

It's actually written in detail in the guide (leveling tips) but there is quite a lot you can do that adds up to help leveling go pretty damn quick. It's very brainless though and extremely easy, no challenge - so I understand how it could be difficult for anyone to go through that. I don't remember much more than this, but I didn't find it to be particularly horrendous, maybe took like 10 hours max to get to 80? Completely guessing

I learned that basically from 0-60 (or 70 or 80?) became the new "tutorial". I think this was case ever since the big RISE update

To answer your other question, I'm not sure I understand what you mean about undodgable damage sources all over the place. I don't recall anything being super difficult except for Redeemers, which are already more forgiving than mechs in Lost Ark raids. I had a lot of fun in and don't particularly remember current raids being bullshit, except for the tiny ass hitbox bitches for my xgun Kai lol (complete and utter aids, need really fine tuned aim and partially luck)