While I don't disagree, I find it disturbing that we players are asked to use gems as a band-aid to a game that may never ever regain its former glory.
I used to jump at one-gem boost offers. This time, I've only boosted my collectors once or twice, and never boosted my barracks or heroes.
I work hard in real life to pay for others' expenses (taxes, family, inflation etc). It's not fun and I don't feel like replicating real life in CoC. If my drills are pumping resources for the next attacker (who is inevitably one TH above me), then I might as well take it easy and do the least minimal. I now regret maxing my collectors and drills
