1.
Don't give up. It's going to be frustrating. You're going to have inferior Trial 'Mechs, few or no friends, and an abundance of experienced and geared founders romping all over you. It sucks, but all is not lost...
... 2.
Build Bridges. The game goes from a trial in frustration to sinister fun when you've got people who care about seeing you through the drop in one piece. Get Ventrilo and TeamSpeak installed, whether you have a microphone or not. Visit nogutsnogalaxy.net for teamspeak info to a public server which has active groups going at all times. Very beginner friendly.
3.
Watch out for your team mates (even if they're PUGers). Today I was about to shout out for help in voice chat because my 'Mech was getting roasted. Two friendlies lept in front of me and ate the shots that were going to send me on the afterlife express. We won the match with no losses.
Runner ups:
You're tougher than you think. This is not a first-person shooter where you go down in a couple shots. You're in tens of tons of metal and polymer. If you're getting popped before you know what hit you, then you need to step back and diagnose why. Did you get air-striked by long range missiles? Did you go toe to toe with multiple bigger mechs?
If you're about to enter a situation that you aren't sure about, you should always have an exit plan. Even the lightest mechs can take an impressive amount of damage, as long as it's spread along multiple panels. Turning the damaged panels away from the source of the damage can give you much more longevity.
About to engage that 100 Tonne Atlas in your 80 Tonne trial Mech. Take a quick look around you. Learn where the city buildings or landscape will obstruct gunfire if you need to pull an about face. Break line of sight and keep it broken until you've successfully kited your prey in to a more compromising position: hopefully right smack in the middle of a bunch of friendlies.
Consider supporting PGI: After all, their livelihood depends on it, right? Besides, it makes your initial grind
significantly less stressful. If money is tight, I recommend purchasing the minimum denomination of MC, a value of around $6.25 if I'm not mistaken. This entitles you to five or six days of "Premium Time." You can activate the premium time 24 hours at a time if you are going to be busy. While you're under the effect of premium time, you will earn 50% more C-Bills in game. This can cut down the time until you own your very own mech by ten hours or more.
Edited by Kivin, 06 November 2012 - 10:45 AM.