Yes, certainly you re right, Everything is kinda directly or indirectly time-gated, Starting from Shop reset monthly and resources from event.
Getting shingen would take like 2-3 months fastest unless there Special soul package that can be bought ,which i have not see.

I just want to min maxing the progress so I could built a better grid in short-term. I am building all 6 elements but only trade 2 guardian weapons each type (cost 20 and 30, 50 is a bit much)