"in order to compete at higher levels" implies that the we are talking about the players who can manage all of it. And if people can just 'ally' like you sugges

"in order to compete at higher levels" implies that the we are talking about the players who can manage all of it. And if people can just 'ally' like you suggest, then isn't that the same as paying to win? Its not like this is EVE online where corps paying for newbies to play with them is fun and part of the gameplay appeal.