I'm a clasher since March 2017,after a friend's recommendation.
I am level 75 and Town Hall level 9.I love to raid other players and get loot.
Patience is the keyword for success in this game.For example,I have upgraded my barracks to level 10 and it took 10 days.
But you don't have to keep your eyes on the game all the time.
Just put the builders to work,make sure you have low resources in storages and you can rest until the upgrades are ready.
Regarding Pay-to-Win model,it's not.Obviously,if you want to advance faster,there is always a buy gems opportunity.
In my clan,I have maxed players who didn't spend a single penny in the game.
It's all about time.Maybe 3-4 years to be a professional player,owning a fully maxed base.