First, thanks a lot for your continuous effort on the game.
About frustrating things: empty maps and no clear guideline on what to do could be the 2 keypoints.
My opinion is that people needs to run map with other players.
Find a way to give the opportunity to join a map where other people are and time for players will fly!
Fun is the key, and running not solo is fun

About guideline or what to do: a reminder for Minstrel Quest, a reminder of “follow story quests” , or simply a text section “tips for your current level” could be useful.