whats really nasty is when they announce they are tping off ship because there are 'noobs' present...that behaviour is more noobish I think..
I've heard almost all of your rumors and:
-stay afk on back beach by darkhrt for 24 hrs and then fight
-use daggers only
-Founders get 'special' loot so be sure you crew with one...lol
-only use a crew of four unlimited members
-don't use lost relics/famed ones to get the el patron
and more...but it gives me a headache to think bout it...lols