Improved defensive buildings cannot fire, so they shouldn't be targeted by some troops (even the super version) such as giant, hot air balloon, boar...
Just started my Th14 but have most of the major stuff done and the th13 is getting close-ish to maxed. I have over 4000 war stars between my accounts...
I think pet portion is not needed for the game now.
most of the player defenses are still at th13 level so missing 1 pet out of 4 still make offense...
Way too early to tell if 30 seconds more time is necessary.
We have not gotten all defence, troop, spell, siege, pet, hero, wall, etc. upgrades yet....