Is it a game worth the investment of time it takes to get past the (admittedly steep) Learning curve?

Yes.

Am I biased because I've been playing Mechwarrior since I was a pre-teen?

Also Yes.

It's a faithful recreation of Mechwarrior mechanics with great expansions in things like community warfare and a an insistence on tabletop BattleTech for numbers and rules, with proper changes made for consideration of a players ability. There is a role for every player here, and while many things almost feel "pay to win" (Buying mechs with IRL currency), they've started listening to the community, and while mechs may be expensive, they aren't impossible to get with in-game currency or Premium currency earned through regular events. The roster of mechs keeps expanding, so if you don't see any that look right for you, there will be one coming soon.

It's had its bumps in the road, for sure. But it's worth giving a shot if you enjoy the BattleTech universe. Or if you're into American Mecha. Make no mistake, this is no Armored Core, no Dashing and flying about here. We pilot hulking abominations of steel and guns here. Think Tanks with legs, and a lot more guns.