I will be the first to say I understand a lack of free time- between family, job, side job, and assorted other curveballs this old life throws at us, I have very limited CF time. Thus, I have taken a simple strategy- play it as you would in a totally hostile, capricious and uncaring D & D setting- ignoring, in fact, that other PEOPLE are behind the characters we encounter. Give them the same amount of emotion in-game that you would to an extremely advanced A.I. and channel any frustration into roleplay. Even if in your frustration you break your character's vows and essence, play it out as if that's how you wanted the story to be written.
I play when I can, group IF I can, and try to enjoy the fun of the game mechanics. No pathetic graphics to cloud or impede the wild battle-scenes going on in my head, that pink lump of concordantly beating flesh, soaked in hallucinogenic goodness lo these many years. "I'd hate to advocate drugs, or liquor, violence, insanity to anyone... but in my case, it's worked." - Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. (Little-known fact, HST blew his brains out over deathblow still being overpowered.
Coming back after an absence, I rolled a couple things, and am having a blast with them. I hope it continues to be so, and hope this helps. Hate to see any piece of the advanced AI that is the playerbase leave.
See you in the Fields.