You can't do anything useful in the game without at least a few weeks (more like several months) skills training, and a large amount of cash. The first is unavoidable. The second requires a corp to take pity on you. Scams are great, but new players aren't going to be aware of them, and scamming is not an attractive play mechanic to most people.

Anyway, I guess I just don't want to be a drone. In World of Warcraft, from the very beginning I was a main tank, or a main healer, or whatever. I was instantly and immediately useful. If I wasn't good enough I could play on my own a few hours to get more gear, or another level, and be better prepared for my next encounter. Eve? Nope. You can't improve your character in a meaningful way without lots of time (not playtime, just time) and charitable gifts. Which just isn't fun.

I'm glad you're liking it so much though.