Like everyone else, it took me a few months before I could duel with people and have some success. Skiing is definitely the most important part of the game, so I would work on getting that down first. Don't even worry about MA's until you feel comfortable with the rest of the game mechanics...
Actually saw Moltendorf, Novaz, and Seerking in game either yesterday or today. So there is about four, if not more, of us already playing the open beta.