Isn't the problem half about recruitment?

I have to agree with you. Solving the retention problem without improving the new user experience is likely to lead to many more frustrated people, even if it boosts our numbers just by putting more people through the "hazing process". But I don't think this is an either-or. There are probably a few very simple things we can do to boost recruitment, which would multiply the benefits of a better new user experience.

Thanks for posting the data! Hope things are going well.