overall the game is quite good
new players will probably find a hard time adjusting to rather different game mechanics than most fps games out there, playing with friends will make probably this learning experience more enjoyable and efficient. these mechanics include the lack of ads, importance of movement control, erratic spraying, importance of headshots (might not be as important in silver), as well as general map knowledge and tactics.
once you become more comfortable with the game mechanics, it is generally more rewarding (improving as a player) etc. again, i would recommend playing with friends although i understand this is not always possible and note: does not always make the experience better.
the major downside to cs:go in my opinion is certain elements of the community that detract from the designed gameplay experience e.g. hackers, smurfs, derankers, people without mics, cyka blyat lone wolves
to conclude, the game may be hard to grasp initially but after 20 hours or so when the fundamentals are down it should be much better although smurfs and derankers etc. may cause frequent headaches. i believe valve is attempting to implement countermeasures (prime matchmaking etc.) which i would wholly agree with as it would make the game more reliably and consistently enjoyable.