So basically, you're saying, if you don't want to lose tonnes of money, don't progress through the levels of the game?
Then why play?
The point of any game is to progress. The problem with EU is that progression means immense cost. You cannot argue this, the only people who can are the 0.01% of players that actually profit and withdraw on a regular basis and these people either, a: were here before the nerfs, giving them an unfair advantage, or, b: made (relatively large, in most cases) investments on items that allow them better eco or advantage, OR, c: made a VERY lucky click that brought a nice pay cheque (or they trade, in which case I'd suggest getting a real job, they pay better).
If you're not in this game to progress and say you're here for fun and enjoyment, then I put it to you that you need to experience other games, as EU is not fun in comparison to other games. This games biggest draw (or retention) card, is that the community, generally, is amazing and that there is the potential to make a bit of money on the side. The biggest downfall of this game is, unless you're content being a low-mid level player for the rest of your life, this game will cost you an arm, leg, pelvis and index finger.
Most expensive click fest in history, PERIOD.
I accept the cost, but that doesn't make it acceptable.
WRONG. For the 15 years prior to finding EU I played only games that didn't cost ANYTHING, with the exception of installation disk.
Not to mention Basketball, Rowing, socialising, writing music, etc etc etc...
The only people who don't spend money in EU, play boring, sweating, finding fruit, trading for PEC's profit etc etc... I did this for 3 months, before realising what a HUGE waste of time it was. Working 1 hour IRL pays better than a weeks worth of the aforementioned.