I've been an guest tapper/event helper for a little while, and was a sympathic ear when 1st tapper was talking to herself about TSTO for the first couple of years.
She has been a player almost from the beginning and based largely on TSTO we have discussed whether game creators include a bit of psychological tension to the playing field just as another element to keep you wanting more and coming back. Dramatic tension if you will.
That said, in her opinion and mine, 2015 has been almost non-stop event. And Terwilligers redefined the term grind, over and over again, and apparently endlessly. To be honest I am still grinding. LOL. Always trying for just one more cane field or cactus patch or Super Bonus Donut box.
Things to remember for future events:
1) Never talk about fight club
2) Never spend donuts to accelerate anything
3) Never upgrade bldgs/devices beyond optimal levels etc. Read the forum for optimal levels, they are important.