I've read elsewhere that hunters are not receiving drops after the first encounter. Can you confirm that?

I think everyone in our group got engrams to drop, but not specific weapons/gear. Speed or Xenos?

Because of their raid-specific perks, definitely use the raid gauntlets and raid class item (with an element selected that matches your subclass). I'd recommend the raid boots as well, unless you're a nightstalker (in which case wear Orpheus Rig). Helmet and chest piece as desired, since those raid perks are less useful. Helmet or chest is a good place for an exotic.

For weapons, keep it simple when blind - go in with your favorite legendary gear that you're most comfortable with. You don't want to be fighting a gun you hate using just because it's one point higher, and you probably already have your favorites infused as high as they will go. Bring some elemental weapon mods and glimmer; you might want to change those once you see what elemental shields are in use.

As for exotics, the season 3 meta is still a work in progress. Personally I went in blind with the following exotics in my inventory just in case (of course you can only equip one).

• Sweet Business (pairs well with Actium War Rig for Titans)
  
• Crimson
  
• Graviton Lance
  
• Skyburner's Oath
  
• Sunshot
  
• Tractor Cannon (paired with a void energy weapon/subclass)
  
• Legend of Acrius
  
• D.A.R.C.I. (masterworked for stability)

All of these are gathering attention in Season 3 as being powerful tools

Hunter in particular, speaking for myself. I'd like to make some informed infusion decisions (while preserving my blind state :)).

It really depends on your role. Raga keeps praising Crimson for its health reg, which I absolutely agree with.

I could literally make an argument for any kinetic/elemental in the game. So props to the designers there.

So far shotguns have been great.

Hunter in particular, speaking for myself. I'd like to make some informed infusion decisions (while preserving my blind state :)).

The new exotic Hunter helmet that gives health regeneration on dodge saved my ass at least three times last night. That perk is great.

Hunter in particular, speaking for myself. I'd like to make some informed infusion decisions (while preserving my blind state :)).

In a general sense skyburners oath is amazing cause of the extra damage. Though the one downfall with it is that it goes through ammo really fast and there are some encounters that could last a while so be prepared to pair it with a gun that is reliable in that department.

Bring whatever you're comfortable with. Light level is probably going to chew you guys up (it did me :p), but reliably doing damage and staying alive trumps missing shots and having the wrong stats every day of the week.

Nameless midnight (of course!)
Sunshot
Sins of the Past

I ran celestial nighthawk. Used it for yellow bars exclusively.