I had similar experience like a year ago. I bought 1 scout/season - rest i had to buy 4* players - for like 3-4 seasons coz there were no 5* on the market. I quit. Came back now - from start (4th season atm). Now I force myself no to buy any scout becouse I fear i'll loose 5* players on the market. So far, works just fine.
I was thinking that maybe this way they level the players a little, so no one gets to good.
I agree, that today no game like this would be success wo free players and market preasure is not the right answer how to push players to spend money - I spend less now ...