First, the best news: I have a factory 5* under construction. Keep trying, folks...they're out there.

Second, this entirely FTP non-whale is doing just fine with this event, even at the level 49 commander gap and average tank level of 34. (My lone remaining 4* at 43 is the outlier that boosts the average by more than a full level.) Actually, I'm going to hit 50 tonight, so it'll get even wider, but it shouldn't be a huge deal. If it means I can no longer clear tile 8, there are more than enough jingle bells available to make up the difference. If I can do it with almost the largest commander gap possible (and THE largest gap later tonight), everyone else should also be able to. I don't even think I'm anything special at this game, as I can't even crack the top 10% on PoC.

Third, this event absolutely fixed the whaling requirement for the elite-eligible copies. Santa's List is the main event. Anything in the exchange is just a bonus or a means to make up lost time/effort with Santa's List.