Is it still worth playing Warframe from the beginning?

Not really a question if i should buy, more of a "Is it still worth it?"

I played Warframe when it first came out which was years ago, and i didn't like it that much then. But i saw the trailer for Warframe 1999 and it looked GORGEOUS. It really got me itchin to try it again. But seeing as it's been out for many years, i'm kinda having doubts about it

For those who played warframe for years, can i ask is it worth getting into it now? How beginner friendly is it? Will i need to put in hundreds of hours just to get to 1999? Will power difference between me (a newbie) and old Warframe players be a big impact to the game? And also, are unlockables free? Or they must be paid?

Sorry for the amateurish questions, it's just been quite long since i last played it so i know almost next to nothing about it.