Well im f2p and i Played GAC before and after R10. Im making progress. Slowly but i made it Almost to chrom. Most of the time im the weakest 1 out of 8 but there is always a way to make same banners. Stronger opponent means for me to have a higher defence and hope for Some holds. Most of the time ist enough to clear half of the field to win. Datacrons Change alot too. Observing the gac history is also helpful. Sometimes its More mindplay, if i See i got Literaly noch Chance of winning im throwing the 10 to let the enemy feel safe. He will become sloppy and will try stuff eventually costing gim banners.