[2020] How should I approach weaves?

So, I was watching some Youtube and came across a (possibly outdated) statement that if you have WoM, it's recommended that you should complete at least one weave so you can get essence from normal play, even if you have no plans for weaves at the moment. Okay, I thought, so I went and did the first ranked weave on my second try, after adjusting to the lack of bots I was not aware of, and returned to the normal game.

After a while I checked on how much essence I've gathered with my normal runs - apparently so little I can't tell?.. Seeing "The amount of essence you gain from normal play depends on the highest completed weave tier" tip, I decided to try going a little further.

And it does not go well. I have some experience with True Solo runs, but it's not something I can complete casually and definitely not without talents/item properties or even being able to pick the weapons freely (since they are pretty expensive to forge if you want at least the lvl 5 talent). Outcast Engineer got me to the weave 5 (out of 150?..), with the ability to safely delete hordes and defend against specials at the same time, but I doubt the effect would last long with more armor popping up in later weaves. I suppose getting more talents and suitable weapons will gradually make things easier, but I have to get to that point and the levels themselves are going to get more difficult at the same time.

So, how do people usually do this? Or they just don't and I should forget it before I waste too much time on it?