I play in the association which is now top-12 and this association until recently had no farms at all and even now only one team (mine) has a farm for only 2 seasons. We have achieved this place absolutely without farms. That's why I write - do not give arguments that you can not get into platinum or top 100 because of farmers. It is enough to be able to properly train players and have the desire to move forward. (Of course, more time is needed!)