Same here.
No centy though.... sad.
As for whales > maotd, its these players who keep the game alive, not us regular scrubs. Just dont think about it, ignore it, and dont question it.
Like me. Makes the whole endeavor much less straining. There is no logic in these popularity event. No fairness. Its just hard cash.
Unless some of the whales find a new object of their dedication, it will remain the same every year.