Long time lurker here.
I’ve been working boxes here for almost a year and I have to say, the initial foothold and getting to user on this one does not warrant an easy rating on this box. It’s intermediate at the very least.
That being said, I will say, if your attack VM is robust, the D****r route for GL will make your life easier.
Although it was a bunch of hoops, this was a fun box and I recommend this one for everyone.