As it stands, the customization will reward players with more disposable income than those who actually care about the game and improving themselves. I am going to attempt to explain what I think made past games customization and leveling memorable along with what makes Infinite less so.
3 had a great customization system because you were rewarded for personal achievements that were legitimately a challenge. Anyone could try it, but only a select few could get it done and those who did deserved stand out cosmetics that showcased their skill and dedication to other players. In the same vein, Reach allowed players to showcase their willingness to grind and longevity within the game. The commendation system added to the credit/xp system by letting players improve with weapons/vehicles or against certain enemies, while having a goal in mind that rewarded them heavily. It was not easy to reach Inheritor and it certainly was not meaningless in the community if you were able to. In 4 this was further improved by certain cosmetics being locked behind commendations. This led to what I believe was an incredibly good system that forced players to challenge themselves and improve, making the grind worth it when you finally unlock a cosmetic. If it isn’t broke, why do you keep trying to fix it and making us suffer for it?
There currently is no level system to compare besides the battlepass, which is inaccurate considering you can outright purchase 25 levels at release. In Infinite as the customization stands, players are equal across the board in the sense that nothing is skill based or rewarded for skill. It takes very little skill to complete the challenges and progress through the battlepass. I would rather pay more to satisfy 343 than deal with micro transactions and poor customization that is built around getting more revenue. There is no other explanation for downgrading customization systems that are increasingly based around money throughout the titles 343 has been involved. After more than 10 years of playing halo and 6 years since the last game, I honestly expected more. I have grew up on this series and doubt the negativity behind every release, but I am always proven wrong.