I'm working on it. Not on the entry fee part, but on a tournament with a strict selection :0)

an entire bronze level collection costs less than what a bottle of booze costs in my country

Unfortunately not all people live in countries where the circumstances are the same. Some people simply can't afford to spend that money on a game.

And I realize that it doesn't make the game any easier when you're used to playing monsters with all kinds of abilities and then suddenly all those abilities are gone. Been there, done that, lol.
I even set up a separate level 2 account, so I don't forget how to play without double blasts and stuff :0)