Your post reads like someone that is used to 3 lane maps and a game based more on aiming skill and flanking etc. This game is much more about picking the right routes to move around the map and taking a bit more time.
- avoid ground war. its a total cluster fuck. its not battlefield its not cod, its not enjoyable (imo).
- consider playing Hardcore for a while, i find it a little better to not appear on the minimap that often when not using ghost.
- play objective modes for a while to get used to the maps and know where the enemies spawn.
-stop running and gunning till you get the hang of the map layouts. like you say, footsteps are too loud. pick when you use your dead silence carefull ie once you approach an enemy flag
- BACK OUT OF PICADILLY - this map will make your blood boil, its not playable.
- use all the cover you can and mount when wanting to check around corners (but be aware that on some spots your frames appear to be hidden on your screen but not on theirs)
- stop caring about your win loss and just back out of games that you can tell you're being unfairly screwed in. usually ill check the killcams and if i dont appear to shoot on the enemy screen more than twice, i just cut my losses and find a new game because it makes it unplayable and not fun.
tbh i think its a steeper learning curve to learn the maps and best lines of sight etc...ive started using many that i know most players dont know about because they are too focused on what dead in front at eye level. i dont know if its just because ive had a 5 year break from any COD game but i am actually enjoying this one and dont see as much bullshit as everyone says.
biggest issues for me are still
- inconsistent connections getting you killed
-spawns, i spawn in front of enemies all the time. its very annoying
- 725 is still one hit kill against me from range and 2 hit markers when i use it at point blank
- stun grenades unfairly punish PC players..you literally cannot move until the stun is over
- hit markers on occasions for 3/4 body shoots in hardcore, followed by the guy turning and gunning you down..real frustrating.