We have discussed earlier today in the Discord channel the painfully slow early game and - more specifically - fraction contracts.
In summary, as far as I know, the starting funds for new players haven’t been adjusted, while the economy has grown. This might make the early game slower then intended. Also, fraction contracts can be unprofitable and aren’t boosting players as much as they could.
In regards of the latest changes to the MM, it might be a good time to revisit the parameters for newer players.
This has been previously discussed in Boost new player retention by increasing starting packages - Feedback - Prosperous Universe Community