One upon a time in the "classic" era (no hero, no auctions, no Artie's...) there was gold but no need to spend so much if you were in a "good" alliance, specially with great leaders.
More strategically elegant moves, better communication & tactical coordination made up for it. Tons of players left TG after the classics were erased. Most opined the newfangled changes took the necessity of critical thought out of the formula.
Many asked the classics make a comeback but the Travian Masters excuse themselves and strange mental gymnastics.
Guess they need the gold to make a living. Sucks but to quote Kurt Vonnegut, "so it goes"