In someways i would still call myself a n0ob or nub, have only played 3 servers, and got taught by someone who i found out had a OK rep behind them..
Have never lasted a world out due to work issues and a habit of taking long vacations lol but while playing the game have found out as much as possible and learnt of the better guys. I would say that even a beginner can become good fairly fast if he gets the just of it and listens and learns, i mean how hard is it to send a train??? snipe or backtime?? have only had to do it a couple times,but after what i have read and practised aint that hard,but then depends if you are willing to put the effort in and get abit of luck hehe...
My 2nd world thought i would try and start in the core as heard everyone talk about it,so thought would try, i am fairly aggresive but dang i am nowhere near that stage yet lol but was really fun while i lasted,and got loads of hints of people and diff ways of playing,so hopefully in a few more worlds time maybe able to last and do better,in my eyes being rimmed from the core shows that you aint ready for that,but a good learning curve.If you aint willing to be rimmed dont try and cut it with the big guys from the start,but i must say its good fun and a learning curve if you want to learn more about the game...