I disagree, if someone is a scum they simply will end up avoided quickly by the rest of the population. Which is often witnessed.
I understand that frustration, I’ve been there many times. I think your friends sucks for having ditched you to be honest.
Guild recruitment never really ends, I’d suggest keeping working on your character and collecting things if you can if you desire holding to it. A guild is indeed fun to join so I understand that sentient.