We are currently at the stage of the server ( one week in ) where players still can't put 300 element on their weapons, use their R grade weapons due to SS:R costs, afford to think about upgrading to apocalypse and beyond, or even organize new clans and formulate politics to create alliances to take down epic raid bosses.
For some reason though, NCwest had the bright idea to introduce end game jewels and weapons that are equip-able right now. I see kelbim weapons, boss jewels, and even longing talismans everywhere. These are items that would take even someone that buys exp boosts and soulshots from the NCstore months if not years to get by themselves. The gap is already too large for most people to even think about progressing seriously on this server without people dumping hundreds if not thousands of dollars on this event without the server being alive for even 8 days.
First of all, the f2p model of this game resulted in a p2w shop. Am I happy about it, no. Do I take advantage of it, yes. Why? Because I have a problem. But that's besides the point.
My pockets aren't that deep, but I invested some and came out ahead. So for that I'm pretty happy.
Yes we can QQ about it all day. We can say how unfair it is, but at the end of the day you have to ask yourself why do you play this game?
Do you play to be the best or do you play casually?
If you only want to play casually, then none of these events matter. It doesn't then matter how long it takes you to get a longing, or anything else.
If you want to be the best, well I'm not saying you HAVE to donate to win. But it certainly helps. Find a clan that wants to help you grow so you can help them grow. A good strong clan of that nature can and most likely will take part in epic raids, and reap the benefits.
I learned while playing this game not to give up, and keep playing. I play regardless of having the best, or not. Also, there are always different tiers of PvP which are just as fun as +12 dark set + 12 dark wep pvp ;)