100%. if there's no mercs then rich players buy mercs—the only difference is that it's not an official strategy paid for by the bank. caps on prizes don't necessarily ensure the raffles are equal (eg: ice had a significantly better raffle than shadow). you might as well be open about the fact that it's going to be expensive and you are trying to use your given resources in the best possible way to win. even with mercs a lot of strategy is involved. it's a bummer that battles are so expensive and draining, but that's more a function of increasing hibden spaces than anything.