I think it would help a lot if bolster was explained a bit better to players. I have come back to the game after a year off and still a bit curious on the bolster , as I never needed to have it as I had full expertise gear. I know green under 190 rating is the way to go for players without comms , and really if a player does have greens , blues or whatever it doesn't mean they are a bad player , could mean they don't actually know what is best to wear.
In regards to weapon expertise , is the crystal now the only slot that houses expertise in that weapon /OH ?