I was one of the little guys looking up at Chris, Sarge, TripsT, Lostangel, SAM I AM from The Elders, and Matt, Nightrain, lordksie, rafal, robot chicken. Most passed on, some retired, others came back. All you need is to keep your head down train hard and out last your competitors.
Back then a group of us formed the Marvel Legends and led a massvie system in order to compete with The Elders and other high level people. A year flies by in this game, where you are now, it will definitely surprise you where you will be. Donations are wonderful, activity is still king.
As far as knocking down little gangs, it makes sense, why should super gangs go at it all the time, it takes forever and is soo costly to all involved. I would pick a 15 minute fight over a 3 day one anytime.
These super battles are not just hit and quit, it more than stops your character development...
(NT was NOT innocent)