Goodgame empire is a game where you build an empire. For those of minimum knowledge of the game, you will think you can play strategically to win. It will give you a great advantage. However it took myself to build from start, $8,000 to dominate the rankings of the largest English server (top 3 without negatives). However that wasn't enough to stay there for long. It took a matter of myself being away from the game for 2 weeks to drop outside the top 10.
The game has been catered to players that spend money, so much that a player that does not spend money, but had a good skill ability is most likely the perfect candidate to be attacked. They have the ideal amount of defender to gain the most glory, but they don't hold the correct items to defend themselves. Ensuring without alliance support, they will be crushed.
To say the least, it's a horrible game. Spending $1000/month is not enough to keep you at the best possible place at all times. Even $2000/month wouldn't keep you there.