I’m sorry this is my first reply. As you can see, I have a problem being too loquacious, and specific, so I don’t reply often as to not overwhelm all involved
So apologies for the length, but I did see a question and wanted to cover it 
It really is
& Thank you 
I have been quite fortunate, that a lot of the great heroes I’ve received are titan specialists in some way (EDD/DD/attack buffer). So that, despite the fact they’re at a much lower level, their skills are so powerful, I can still compete well so long as they stay alive. That’s been pretty key for me.
Fortunately, there are a lot of 3*/4* that can provide similar contributions, which means they’re slightly more accessible, but the downside to that is, typically, they’re still behind pay-walls 
EDD: Falcon, Nordri, Almur, Jackal, Sergei
DD: Wilbur, Sun Shangxiang, Eichelborg, Gormek, Grimm, Frank, Gunnar, C. Brienne, Marcel, Treevil, Cheshire, Tibs
Titan: Bertulf, Wu Kong, Sergei
Increased Damage: Franz
Tile Buffer: Jott
Attack/Crit Up: Shadereave, Boldtusk, C. Grimm, Kiril, Brienne, Melia, C. Kailani, C. Rigard
Yes, it really is tbh, for that reason. Specifically in avoiding meta heroes right out the gate, like Treevil in 3*. However, the downside to that is I have to do well every single day to land in Top 1% and have a good defense score all week. So it’s not all peaches, but the battles the first few days are definitely a whole lot less stressful, that’s for sure
Day 4/5 is when things get tough, and I gotta be on my A game.
Honestly, what I’d recommend is using whatever tools you have at your disposal. And for most, that involves mats. I’m in a unique situation where I have built the depth to compensate my lack of TP over these nearly four years. For those who don’t have that, you start stripping away your strength, and you’re more than likely just hindering yourself in these specifics facets of the game - removing your advantage. Unless you’re already at the end of your rope, frustrated with the opponents you’re facing, then I spose… What’s the harm?!
This game is all about having fun, after all 