While I am a new player in gw2, I have played other mmos for years now.
Meta requirements are not a new issue nor a unique issue in gw2.
Meta are defined by the hardcore players who have the time/resources to invest in the game in order to push the limits. if you want to be a part of it, it is not bad, but it will require you to make the necessary inestion, and pick a meta class/build (and be prepared to reroll whenever a meta change!)
If you are more of a casual player (like me, now, due to real life) best thing is to find a guild/friends to run with.
Problem with PUGS usually, is that they always contain some players that are “Meta wannabe” and think that certain build/class automatically makes the player godlike, and allow for a smooth speed run like they watched in some hardcore guild channel on youtube. most of the time, those pugs wont complete a run due to someone trying to showoff, or lack of coordination or skill. in fact pug runs will take much more time to complete, or will be less enjoyable than a guild run with friends that run the less attractive classes.
Bottom line, join a guild and make friends, makes the game and time spent much much more fun