First post to the forum (long time lerker).

This is my 7th season and (to put modesty aside) the first season that I was in danger of failing to promote. With 2 league games left I have managed to clinch 3rd due to miraculous wins over the 1st and 2nd place teams to put me above the middle of the pack. I managed to win the Cup but exited the CL in the first knockout round (in a game that I'm still bitter about).

I felt my league was tough this season for the following reasons:
- 8 of the 14 teams won their league last season (many had CL and Cup wins)
- 12 of the teams were at least 5 stars
- 3 teams were 6 stars

Over the past 6 seasons I had purchased 2 scout players for positions I just could not find a player to fill. This season I had to purchase 5 scout players just to keep my head above water. Purchasing scout players is almost preferable since you spend just as many tokens in the auction to get a lousy 4 star or sometimes a 5 star player. I cannot find a time when the auction has little activity (to get cheap players). I can never seem to negotiate a player on direct transfer.

So my question to the group is:
Is this what I can expect from now on in the upper levels? That being either the teams are very good or abandoned?

I not sure I can afford another season of scout player buying.