My main idea is that the game needs a mode where everyone can come in without an investment at times when they want to play the game. This in the form of a new game mode where you pay a fixed entry fee and for that get a number of Max Level cards to play with and packs as rewards (or call it indirect purchases) based on how well you perform (with not that major variations and weaker players getting matched up with weaker players so everyone does somewhat well). This also would provide the game with a 1-click rental system (only max level cards) and give more use case to land with part of the entry fee going to those who provide their cards for this game mode.
It really believe something like this would fix all the major issues that Splinterlands is facing right now and it would boost everything. I just don't see a way right now that the entire marketing won't be another massive money burn where a ton of funds just flow toward expensive salaries.
At the same time, if it takes 3+ months to create a game mode which is pretty much identical to ranked mode, how long would it take if they were to create an actual new game mode.
The way things have gone for the game and the ecosystem has been highly frustrating as there is so much potential but everything remains untapped because choices are made toward what I see as the wrong things.