Idols should replace scarabs instead of the atlas passive tree

The most common criticism around the atlas passive tree is that it is "intimidating" to new players. How could we solve this?

There are a few ways to make it better, like introducing a smaller version initially, or some preset defaults so that players can understand what the tree does and reap its benefits without having to invest time into it. We can also improve its use by better explaining it with tutorials or with more information, maybe during the campaign, so players interact with it more before going into maps like we do with every other core and league mechanic in the game.

The most common praise of the atlas passive tree is that it gives the player control over what type of content they want to do aligning with their gameplay and loot preferences.

Another positive thing that the atlas passive tree does is show all possible mechanics and ways of altering them so players can fully understand how they might play each mechanic. As much as it might seem intimidating, it is equally enlightening.

As for the idols:

Idols do not solve the "new player is intimidated problem" since they are inspired by sanctum, a niche league mechanic (maybe now hated because of poe2 ascendancy trials) that the new player might not ever play.

Idols rely on luck to drop the mechanics you wanna play and since the mods roll for all mechanics, it's annoying seeing ruined idols with "negative" mods because a mechanic you don't want is present, which is worse than an item containing a useless mod like light radius.

Idols destroy content progression, since you have to pray for a decent idol to drop instead of steadily progressing in the atlas tree.

Idols take up space, isn't that just annoying, specially for a new player with limited space? Also, they could use the fragments' scarab tab when replacing the scarabs.

"Just buy the idols lol", braindead take, as if trading was fun and we're clinging to an outdated easily exploitable system. I don't want to waste my time waiting for an idol trade that might try to scam me or might never happen for the sake of price fixing, I'd rather play the game instead.

"Just don't interact with the mechanics you don't like then" Just don't give me this idol shit and give back my atlas passive tree then.

TL;DR

Atlas passive tree might be "intimidating", but allows for steady and deterministic progression, while also showing all change possibilities.

Idols turn progression into an uncontrollable unforeseeable gamba shitfest for the """benefit""" of reducing the endgame complexity by culling everyone's control over their content until there's nothing but luck.

"Just don't interact with the mechanics you don't like then"

Also, that's exactly what I'm doing, just doing blighted maps nonstop