Out of interest, during your try-hard phase, did you use VPNs?

The try-hard meta seemed to be the opposite of midwit meme e.g.

Newbie: Use the VPN it prevents tracking and password leaks on wifi! Mid level: Don't use the VPN as the VPN owner could be tracking everything! Elite level: Use multiple VPNs for different things, self host Tor and VPNs in other countries