1) Nope. Only thing you can "buy" with crystals (buyable with realmoney or obtainable as reward for levelups or for performing good in tournaments) is time. No exclusive items. You can only get stuff faster with less effort.
2) Yes, they are active and yes, I think they are listening to the community after filtering out troll- and nonsense-flame-posts. The Community Managers and Forum Moderators are passing on feedback and suggestions.
3) Easy to understand. Sometimes challenging to gather enough materials for the highest items and sometimes funny when your new head armor needs 300+ wood and glue (am I going to carry a GIANT birdhouse on my head?) but after all it feels rewarding when you can finally put on the new armor or weapon. You can recycle old items and get 50% of the mats back and you can trade one material for another if you need it so I would also describe it as being fair.
Once you got all best in slot items it may feel repetitive, since you are only gathering materials to craft the 7days amulets and runes again and again.
The RNG in the upgrade system is a pretty good and motivating goldsink when you try to get the very best out of your items.
So welcome, honorable Panzarian, I hope you enjoy your stay and see you in battles soon
