It honestly doesn't take deep pockets to play this game successfully. I have very limited money to spend on games and other such things. If a person waits for a two for one gem sale and then spends 25.00, those are enough gems to get a few jolly geologists and most importantly building licenses. A little stash of gems like this will go a long way. And then when events roll around, there will be resources to trade since you've been able to ramp up production chains using the building licenses you've purchased.
25 dollars is a lot of money to some people, I know it is to me, but it's easy to spend that much on a few trips to Burger King, so choosing to stay home and eat peanut butter and jelly a few times can get most people the investment they need to build up their island. Just need to be frugal with what's bought with gems and not blow them on doodads and gold depos.
