@PowerToss A key part of any strategy game has to include a long term strat. I agree you can't just play willy nilly no matter how well you play each game tactically. You have to have some idea on how using scarce resources today will affect you down the road. 🙂
Power Lily can only be used 3 times in a game, yes. But oftentimes you can't plant het immediately. I have run into situations where she refreshes with only 6 seconds left. Not enough time to be of use.
At current 52 sec refresh, she is available at:
52. (0:52)
104 (1:44)
156 (2:36)
With 1 small glitch in your play or not having a slot available immediately, her last refresh comes too late to be useful. Having a faster refresh rate gives you a little wiggle room to cover tactical, situational and yes, even bonehead maneuvers.
But i believe you make extremely valid points about the wisdom of blowing everything right now. Leveling up to 50 seconds is a no brainer being as I am so close. But the best long term strat might be to shoot for no more than 500-600 additional seeds towards next level up. Save the resources for more toxic plants.