This game is not too difficult for beginners, no more difficult than similar games online such as Eve or No Mans Sky... not to mention a few others. All games in this criteria have a steep learning curve. These games have this learning curve because they are detailed, layered and deep... this game is complex and is therefore difficult for newer players... if we stray from this complexity of combat the game will become like any other inaccurate sailing game online. Remember folks... this game was not intended to be easy to play or learn, those that take the many hours to unlock the secrets of the game will do well, stick with it and level up slowly... play for an hour or so... or half an hour... focus on one... and only one specific ship design... master it before switching to a different one. Play solo if you need to... and learn the art of survival as I have. You will learn so much more from the game. There is more than upgrades and skills here, and many will be blind to the secrets of the game until they strike out on their own solo.
This is advice coming from a weathered solo player... think unconventionally and you will discover unconventional secrets... and prepare yourself... you will lose your ships... always plan... always plot... always have an escape.
Sail safe and sail well.