I think we experience this problem very differently.

I am probably the strongest on my rival list but once i am over-vaulted, i get smacked by rivals many 1000s allies higher. I cannot see them back.

Getting smacked by rivals when overvaulted is acceptable if they are on your rival range, but many 1000s above you is not fair. Goes back to the fact that its not worth buying gold because you can always outpace your rivals, but you cannot outpace your rivals who are many 1000s allies stronger.

If this was suggested by Pirates, it goes to proove that once you spend many $1000s in this game, you stop being a player and start being a partner.