I maybe new to this game (about 3 months old) so I may not know jack shit, but... I already find this game to be pretty skill reliant. (BTW, I'm lvl 52 Laser Pistoleer Hit, and lvl 51 Ranged Laser Dmg, and I have never chipped in any skills.) Not an APM skill reliant per se, but more of overall strategy reliant. The big question is, how can I maximize profit? If I'm at this level with this gear, which mob can I hunt most economically? Should I craft with the loot I get and sell the finished product, or should I save the loot and sell on auction or trade on the chat for profit? Should I hold this item to sell later when it may get better MU? Should I buy this gear at this price? Or should I wait to see if the price drops? If I buy this item at this price, can I resell them later for same price or even potentially better price? These choices matter and the better skilled you are in this game, the better choices you can make.
This game's skill doesn't come from the actual shooting/hunting. This game's skill comes from the strategy to work around your budget, getting the right gear for your level and the mob you plan on hunting, and making profit "outside of the events" by knowing the market and the MU of the loots of the mob you're hunting. For the actual event, I think the only skill involved is picking the right category for your skill and gear and not forgetting to fap when you're low
And one day, when I get enough skill points and gear to compete in these events (and I know I can achieve it within my budget, which is most definitely not $100k), I'll have a chance to place and win the prize.