The same type of conversation, with people predicting the death of the game, went around here a year ago. That's when the top players who spent lots of money had 100-200K stats. Some of those top players have dropped out. I reiterate: it will be impossible to stay at the top without continually spending money. The stat inflation will see to that. In the future there will be 100K units, maybe with 100% boosts or more. People will have 100M A/D stats. It will happen. Only those who continue to pour money into the game will remain at the top. If they stop, they will be over-run. Stat inflation is s double-edged sword

That's why, in my opinion, it's dumb to spend a lot of money on the game. The advantage is fleeting. Have a look back at some early screen shots. In the early days there were units you could buy for 900 gems with stats like 100/100, and people did. Obviously these expensive units don't even feature in the armies of medium level players anymore.