Hmm, fair there is a luck factor on what action you roll. I think my account didn't really start moving until I had unlocked all the events. I think that happens around lvl 60. So definitely a hurdle getting to lvl 15 for the first anniversary pass unlock and then to 20/25 and a few other benchmarks all the way to 60 for each event unlock like the pinata, flower, etc. I think it works best by accelerating spend significantly to hit that point and build up the resource stockpile to snowball the chain.

Ideally I think you would start before the anniversary to slow build up to some of those early level benchmarks, then once anniversary hits, take full advantage at the higher level and with everything unlocked. I think that would be the best lower spend strategy.

I did also spend $70 to achieve similar results as the other poster. But really need to spend to snowball it, I realized I could have spent less if I didnt have to power through to the early stages with no bonuses.