How do u upgrade in SSF?

I've never played SSF primarily because I don't like crafting and it's the only way to progress in this game as drops don't matter atall. I also got bored of trade so thought of giving SSF a try.

I cananage till campaign end and take maps with whatever I get.

But I get hard stuck progressing.

I do the usual, id all blue and yellow and reforge what is not required but I barely get anything worthwhile. I am not even looking for T1|T2 stats. Even T3/44 are so rare.

Is there an easier way to progress?