I've been doing this bulldoze-rezone cycle to earn those thingies for Event Track for many seasons now. I agree with you that it's nonsensical.
But since we're doing it, here's how I optimize the cycle: I bulldoze-rezone Omega zones because Level 1 build requires only 1 Omega item, earning 10 thingies, and upgrading to Level 2 requires only 2 Omega items, earning 20 thingies. I have a little neighborhood of 4 Omega "ghetto" zones that are always getting bulldozed after level 2, lol. Such a terrible neighborhood.
Extra tip: For level 2 upgrades, about 8% to 10% of the time, you'll get an upgrade requiring only 1 Omega item instead of 2 Omega items. If you're short on Omega items, you can repeatedly ask for new plans until you get a plan involving only 1 Omega item (earning 20 thingies!).
