Whirlz, the question is purely theoretical because STS generates so much money off elixirs, they aren't going anywhere. Are there people that grind from 55-56 or 60-61 with no elixirs, sure. but they are very much in the minority. I would have made it without elixirs (I ended up halfway there on bear) if I didn't decide instead to have 3@55 and then go from there. Oh well, I personally don't want to spend plat to reach an elite level, but there are LOTS of people who do I also have accepted that the amount of time I spend playing might just keep me from ever being "hardcore" in some peoples minds