Are scouts worth the tokens???

[ThichDaBongFC]

It is just a matter of management.
If you buy a 5* fast trainer he will reach the scout level during 4 seasons, only doing training every day, then you probably can keep him for 2 seasons more, maybe more, depend of the rest of your squad.

Means he will be maintaining as scout level for 4 seasons.

5* acquisitions better make scout within the first week

yes, and it is possible to PT a 5* -> 7* or 8* within a week too.