Expand 2 city areas in less than 30 min

Here is what I did. First, you have to have another device and facebook account. Start a new city on the new device and build it up to level 8 and make sure you are friends with your main city. The Global Trade HQ will only have level 8 items. Wood, steel, planks, nails, plastic, hammers, tape measures and all the expansion materials (Dozer stacks, wheels, blades, cameras, padlocks, and bars). It still sucks the way the HQ is set up but at least you will see these items much more frequently. Once you have the items, sell them but do not advertise. Now use your main city and go buy them. Make sure you pay full price so your level 8 city doesn't run out of money and you can keep shopping. Do not upgrade any buildings at this point because you do not want to go up to level 9.
Here is my question...WHY DOES EA FORCE US TO RESORT TO SUCH TACTICS?
Why do I see expansion materials frequently when shopping with my 12k population level 8 city, but rarely with my 500k population level 45 city? Which city do you think needs the expansion materials more? I get that there is more available to the level 45 city. This is the reason why we need a search menu. I know the expansion materials are out there. Why can't I find them with my level 45 city, but they are there all day and night with my level 8 city?
EA ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?
Signed,
Yowachugot (Frustrated MF'r)

UPDATE: In the last 30 minutes since I posted this I have accumulated 12 stacks, 14 wheels, & 13 blades. I am working on expanding a city area that requires 16 items a piece.