I started using Thumb-Key after MessagEase began charging a subscription. It had an “english symbols messageease” layout that was basically the same one I’d used for years.

• Starcraft reboot with Brood War era story and units, and Company of Heroes 1 macro and pacing
• Isometric ARPG with modern graphics, a well-integrated story, no gearcheck bosses, and high SSF droprates
• Online/offline CCG with MTG-level mechanical depth and art style but no F2P business tactics
• Star Wars lightsaber combat with deep fighting mechanics and modern graphics
• Star Wars space combat with coordinated squad-based dogfighting

In that case, direct downloads (in conjunction with ProtonVPN free) would be a superior method. The article makes piracy sound synonymous with and exclusive to torrenting, but DDL and Usenet also exist. Many of the megathread categories have DDL links right at the top.

Cs.rin.ru is mainly gaming focused but has an FAQ that covers general DDL concepts like source trustworthiness/scene names and workarounds for filehoster limits. You could probably paraphase/quote or screenshot with credit (ironically) to save a login. The same people not wanting to sign up for a VPN might also look askance at a .ru domain.

Use ProtonVPN Free with direct downloads only (their P2P servers are paid). Check the megathread categories for links.

Warframe had a very pay-it-forward culture when I played (Fortuna-Old Blood expansions). I got advice on meta starter weapons (Hek/Atomos) and Warframes (Rhino) and where to farm them. I got taxis to locked (for me) planets and direct help for some of the bosses. Other noobs were also helpful for the mutual revives. I even got some free trash mods from a clan member when they saw I was new. For spontaneous conversations I’d join clan parties or simple missions with lots of downtime (i.e., escort, wave survival). Endgame farms with specific roles and/or time gating like Eidolon hunts were very sweaty.