I had this exact same thing happen to me. I barely understand this game, but here is what I think:

• up grade the alcohol storage so you do not have this big need to spend it.
• the cheap guys will be lost like this when you are not there. They are the first to be sent out and weak against the guy your opponent had. So every single one goes until they are all dead and then finally that next level goes.

Right now I am just building a lot of storage and increasing the production. This is not really a fun game to me, but maybe I am missing something.