For a smooth run this meta requires an ok commander and good PUGs, to ensure both, join a couple GW2 discord servers like Hardstuck, where they frequently announce the runs with good comms, who place food & banners and give instructions along the way of progressing meta. If you join a random squad and a comm doesn't sort it into parties, go away at once, nothing good will happen :)

Go to the map early and do random events all across the map, at least 5 of them, so you'll be able to open more chests at the very end. Events give decent loot and EoD currency too.

I also recommend watching a Youtube guide for this meta, because it has a couple of particular phases, where you just need to know what to do, much like the Octovine.

So, with some effort it really can go from annoying mess to engaging and rewarding experience.