The problem is that this isn't even necessary. I want to spend a bunch of money on this game, I'd be more than happy to show my support by purchasing cosmetics. But I'm not gonna pay $30 for a bundle that will get Tick Tanks to level 8. I wouldn't pay $30 for a bundle that got them to level 15. That's a single unit for the cost of a decent expansion for a AAA game. Having the ability to pay money to level up units is not a good idea. Setting the prices at these levels amplifies it to one of the worst decisions I've seen in a strategy game.
They have been forced to make changes to the game to relieve the symptoms caused by this problem. Unit level caps, better matchmaking, more rewards, etc. None of those would be necessary if they just took out the unit leveling. Even with those "fixes" there's still problems with not being able to level up units fast enough (not even close) and restricting what units you can use.
I don't need to play against higher levels to know about counters and there is no "keep playing casually and you'll get there". Putting in 100 games gets you almost nowhere after you've gotten all of the league and level rewards. Again, this system adds no value to the gameplay or players. I can guarantee you that it is driving away some players too. I've tried getting friends involved and several of them just will not tolerate the P2W aspect, which is visible at all levels of the game.
I love the gameplay, it's good enough that it goes beyond just being a mobile timewaster. I'll keep on playing, but I won't play as much as I would have and I won't put any money into the game. I know it's a slim chance that they'll change things, but I still hope that they'll remove the unit levels and make this the great game that it could be.
