This is the first multiplayer game I've played and I can assure you, there have been dozens of times where I've been with complete novices against very good players. They stick together and my group is pissing off everywhere on their own.
Sometimes I just have crap games, but if I'm playing with a well drilled team, and playing against a like for like skill, I get 8-10 downs/exec, and we do well.
I'm level 23, but there are plenty of players of that number better than I am. Maybe the better players choose Fireflies? I dunno?