I'm actually enjoying the game again.
As for the timers, I'm over it. I figure out that when grinding for a 3 million credit tank, I usually grind for 5-7 million credits to pay for 75% crew xp, ammo, consumables, provisions, and camo. Now I just grind for 3.5 million or so to cover the ammo and crew xp. Then start the equipment timers. It's just a redistribution of grinding.
Lack of spare parts grinding, that's tough. It definitely needs improvement, but you know, everyone's in the same boat, newcomers have it the worst, because it's yet another component of the experience gap among players in tiers, so whatever.
I've taken to ignoring the events. I don't think they are targeted at me, instead they're targeted at the player who loves to grind/can't stop grinding toward the possibility of getting a tank for free. It's like rowing a boat on the sea toward the only island in sight, fighting leeway the entire way. Is that me? It doesn't sound like me.
The old days are gone. Even some of the old forumers whose posts I enjoy reading hardly come around anymore. It happens.
Sound trumpets! Let our colours wave!
And either victory, or else a grave.
William Shakespeare
Henry VI Part 3 – Act 2, scene 2