Has anyone won this game??

[ufm]

From the game logs, it's definitely winnable. Of course it's not easy though.
If you find the game too hard, turn off time limit and try communicating more.

Cooperative games with non-decreasing ELO are infested by incompetent free riders who join any many tables as they can in the hope to collect ELO without any playing skills.

This is needlessly aggressive. What did you expect from players labeled 'beginners' or 'apprentices'?
Also, this argument also exists in games with artificial ELO (and imo it's more severe than games with non-decreasing rating).
Just look around BGA Hanabi forum. You'll find tons of posts berating 'incompetent masters'.

That is why Hanabi is still the most popular cooperative game in BGA despite difficulty in implementing a representative ELO system.

I don't think ELO simulation contributed to the game's popularity, as popular co-op games are popular regardless of their rating system (e.g. The Crew).
Conversely, I'd say it's detrimental in many cases. For example:
https://boardgamearena.com/award?game=1181&award=25
https://boardgamearena.com/award?game=1224&award=25
https://boardgamearena.com/award?game=1340&award=25
After all, there is a valid reason for devs (including myself) switching to non-decreasing fixed rating: it does much more harm than good.

[drewtimmer]

Yes! Have won several times.

[quietmint]

I've added some ideas on how to play the game well and how to adjust the difficulty in the "Strategy Tips" section. Click on the "Strategy Tips" tab within the game itself, or go to https://en.doc.boardgamearena.com/Tips_nowboarding

Version 231209-2000 also adds a new game option that grants both starting upgrades (everyone starts with 2 seats, 4 speed) which will make the game easier.

[AVTactics]

Previously I said its hard but now with more experience I would say the game is pretty normal on difficulty. Teamwork rules. Once you get the table with experienced players its almost unreal to lose. Win after win.