I know what you mean. I sometimes (not always), change players names because I like to have players that sound a bit like REAL players but are not quite as good. I currently have 2 players in my squad who have vaguely familiar names (Brian Gibbs & Larry Redknapp). I also once had a striker called Wayne Looney. I just try to add a touch of humor to my game.
Also, regards buying tokens, a lot of people say its wasting money, (maybe it is), but I spend on average, £10 per month on them. But I don't smoke or drink, or own a car, so why not? After all, £10 would only get me 2 packets of cigarettes (a month?), or maybe 3 glasses of beer. So I don't see it as wasting my money.