under SGS(starting base) there are for example 2 freezers in one camp. I died there with a bit of unlucky freeze at the end of turn.
if u are 75 % res attack protectorate in core city.
Even in core city when you fight the gang mobs you get a powerful psi user with shades cold damage and so on.
Ambush has often 2-3 ambushers. You are crippled 4 str at begin next turn 1 str. Even when you leave embassy there are 2 knifers. They are only two so still they are easy to kill but i think they are there to teach ppl. Between core city and drones you have 1 crossbow and 2 knifers. Later you get groups of 5-6 ppl.
And when we talk about chances - you can easily miss two 95% shots. Assumption that you will kill one guy with the burst is ... rather optimistic. Especially that you start with -4 str. Flash grenades are a way to go but new players don`t use them
.
Sniper is never ambushed if he doesn`t want to.
It is not worth to talk about the late game bcs it is in general easy. What i think is problematic for new players is first 15 levels border.
And new players wouldn`t start from super steel armor. In my first gameplay i solved mine quests at the end of game.