^ This is a good and valuable post.
@tarasca - Not wishing to patronise but I wouldn't say you're mid-game at all. You've got a lot of work to do - but you can do it! Especially if you listen to the wise advice of those much wiser than me that are sure to answer any and all questions you have.
I would say this - I think the game goes through peaks and troughs. Periods where you feel like you're flying - you're really advancing, unlocking new powerful characters with lots of use and achieving lots of goals. Other times, it drags - you feel like you're going nowhere, achieving little and progressing even less. I'm currently in the latter phase! But it does change. With hard work, discipline and focus (and/or by dropping cash down). You will find your way to more fertile pastures.
