I think we've all been frustrated while playing this game but when I think about it, it's just the way of the freemium model. It's designed to frustrate.. to frustrate players into buying to make things easier and more rewarding.
So far in in 21 months of playing I've spent less than $200 on this game and I'm happy with my progress. I get frustrated but rarely now, I've made peace with my pace of progression.
You'll find a balance. You will get highs or lows.
Personally I'd rather feel frustrated than pay the amounts other have paid in this game. That's not a judgement on them, we all spent what we're comfortable with :)
