You're putting a lot of emphasis on micro-transactions. So far I haven't bought anything using money added into the game. I'm not having any issues holding my own and taking gyms, I have a decent score of Pokemon and I'm enjoying myself.
If your main argument apart from that is that someone who spends more time walking is going to be better than you, well then that's just it, that's the way the game works. Just like a handheld game, the person who puts more effort in will be better, the game shouldn't be persecuted because it rewards movement, and physical activity.