[2020] Do people actually like this TDM mode?

Many players had been asking for TDM for the purpose of having a gamemode to practice weapons and hacks against other people + to have something different from the BR mode. Currently, TDM is our most popular gamemode across all platforms. The fusion mechanic is an integral part to the BR mode as well as a mechanic that makes Hyper unique. It would be confusing for new players to not have exposure to that mechanic to get understanding of different loot levels before they may try the BR. Although, I can totally understand how some players may feel loadouts may be a better option in terms of being able to test what you want + possibly promote more map control. However, TDM is supposed to be that "stepping stone" into the BR. We have said we want skills you may get from TDM to transfer to the BR mode, which is why the team doesn't like the idea of splitting core mechanics between modes (like the adjustment of Health Regen Delay).

The game not ending after the other team has left will be fixed next patch. Unless you were suggesting a literal forfeit button, I haven't seen much discussion about this personally.

I've flagged up the issue of unbalanced teams due to people leaving early/match stsrting before balanced teams. This is more common on PC seemingly, which is most likely due to the smaller playerbase size. There may be some technical limits that could make implementing a backfill system take some time. I still personally think this is TDM's biggest issue that does need attention.

The "loot your weapon and drop" will be fixed next patch.

The whole point of having it released in a beta format is to get it in the hands of the players and gather feedback. The literal meaning of the beta tag is that it is subject to change and is not final. The dev team may not experience something you guys do or vice versa. I've seen plenty of appreciation for TDM and plenty of feedback as well. This is only just the foundation of TDM and has plenty of groundwork to expand on.

Edit: Additionally, (as you've seen) we've had internal playtest with the dev team and playtests that included our Prisma Playtesters who also provided their feedback on the gamemode. Their feedback was overall positive as well and believed it was a great start for TDM.

I completely respect your opinion. You've made it very clear that TDM (among other things) is not matching your expectations. I also appreciate you taking the time to share that as well.

Again, the beta tag specifically means its work in progress. It's not final, therefore it is not "polished". I completely understand you feel this is unsatisfactory currently, however this does not mean it doesn't have the potential to improve or its stuck as is. The mode can and will continue to improve, which is why feedback is important to help guide yhe path for TDM.

I personally feel it is clear the fact smaller TDM lobbies on PC are happening due to the already small playerbase, which is a deeply rooted issue for the game as a whole. On top of working to adjust matchmaking to help mitigate this on PC, the team is continuing to work on strategies and tactics to help bolster this (including planning to release the game on another launcher + working to create true crossplay (a first for Ubisoft additonally)). As you and everyone else should know, this is ultimately a difficult situation and does not have a "one fix all" nor a quick resolution. It is obviously an issue the team is constantly aware of and is a high priority.

It's not just "18 people on PC" who enjoy the mode. The community as a whole (console and PC) has been majority positive to the addition. In addition to being positive, majority have been sharing similar suggestions to things you've mentioned (ie looking into looting alternatives). Your experiences are valid but you have to be mindful of the entire community.

Minor edit: I should have clarified the Playtester feedback was positive, mentioning it is a great start, meaning they agreed there was plenty to improve and grow. Not that it was fine as is, but a good base to build off of.