Talking a bit about the pay to win, it doesn't make much of a difference, it's all about your quick thinking and a good strategy.
Isn't this the kind of game where paying only gets you more heroes and upgrades? You might be a bit stronger that the F2P-players in the lower leagues but eventually you'll reach the higher leagues and meet players who also spend money and you'll be back to square one.
RE: Remembering good times: back to clash royale