I am quite surprised that new people join the game and want to make the absolute top in nearly no time, then you will have to donate money, and match that donation with activity.
If you want to get to the top without donating money, you will have to be active, very active over a long period of time.
For me, I don't have to reach the top. My enjoyment is from picking out competitive people like Chance, Chris, Shadowguard and Marlo and see how long and I can either keep up with them, or if I even have a chance to beat them.
And if I get ticked off, I know that with the berserker option I can send a lot more people to the hospital
I really do enjoy that option.