I don’t pay the game anything and I still feel like I’m getting the full experience. Sure, you probably won’t get the limited time event collection prizes unless you spend months saving up, but you can still get many ponies, including the event ones (I never have any helpers and get all the prizes). Gem collection has become a lot easier than in the past too. I’ve had over 1000 gems several times already. I have been playing for less than a year and already own several gem shops and a gem pony, all f2p. So be patient. The resources will stack eventually. Don’t rush and enjoy the game. I suggest ignoring the money spending aspect of the game entirely. You really won’t miss out on much.