@Shallow, in GoldenTowns it would help if you simply calculate what will be more profitable for you. Some members play,sell and profit without never buying any virtual gold, but having it to spend when needed, surely helps. But again, it is a pure calculation, and if you know what you are doing, you will be on plus in no time, at least in GoldenTowns.
I've never played any strategy games online, always laughed at all these FB games etc, but what I saw inside, have impressed me so much, that I started learning and playing in a hurry. Today, I not only play, I earn from it daily and... I highly enjoy it