Hello there,
Honestly I've been playing about a year and have shelled out about $2,000 USD...I have (HAD) been competing since the game allowed me too...Level 17 or 18 , I think...At about Level 20, and on through Level 40 or so I always ranked 1st through 20th, mostly depending on how much time and effort I wanted to put in each week. After level 40, while still continuing to feed the game $$, I was finding that I was unable to get into the top 10 anymore. I didn't understand it at all because I ALSO was choosing the tasks with the highest points PLUS, when they added golden tickets I was using 5 to complete 5 additional tasks and I think I got as high as seventh place ONCE...I was really getting discouraged and also became suspicious that other players were hacking...Then, in a moment of clarity I guess, I started asking what others had in their cities that I didn't. The first things I noticed were that I did not have a Maxis Man statue, that you get for free at Level 18 on Dr VU, I was only on level 6 on/at Dr. VU and I also thought that maybe I needed to visit my Mayors Mansion and see if completing more tasks would make a difference...I'very taken a few weeks off competing and have completed quite a few Mayoral tasks and upgraded Dr. Vu's tower to level 15. I had always had 100% happiness and still do, and every time I Level up I do the necessary upgrades including placing a house of worship which I personally didn't want, but the Sims were begging for one so, as the Mayor, I made it happen....In short, I can attest to the fact that I HAVE NOT EVER received preferential treatment in the game for paying money. Things just happen faster. Second: I think the Contest of Mayors may be about more than just completing all the highest point tasks...I believe that winning is more tied to where one is REALLY at in the game; including Dr. VU tower level, completing tasks listed at the Mayor's Mansion, and completing all Level-up upgrades, (whether you want to or not),...your Sims want them...Please note that I have not competed since doing these "upgrades", but I have high hopes that the things I've done will help me in competition...Just some food for thought...Thanks for reading.
