With recent updates, upping the odds of any particular drop in HR, I've seen a lot more "happy faces". Nonetheless, it's a slow and grueling (or maybe "grinding") process, and not everyone is willing to take the time. That's where some of the VIP (and I still wish they would display said level) folks get a paid advantage. I don't mind they do so, it helps the game financially, and they get the benefit of beating on somebody for a minute or two (or up to 10).

It's also true some of the biggest players will try to ruin the game for the others, but it's basically designed to go that route. Face it, the storyline and path of quests is totally linear. But the game still holds enough appeal to make me want to spend my time at it.
KA