I've been in my current Splinterlands guild for just over a year now. It has been a great experience to be part of a team and to have others supporting you. Ever since they released brawls, I have dabbled here and there, but I am honestly not that great at the whole strategy aspect of Splinterlands. I try not to enter too many frays because of that since I don't want to hurt my guild as a whole.
I remember when the game launched the Gladius Cases, but I honestly didn't pay too much attention to it at the time because like I said, it was only occasionally that I actually participated in brawls.
Eventually, I had a decent number of merits saved up and I decided it might be a good idea to spend some of them. I think I picked up one or two cases at the time. It may have only been ten cards, but holy cow, what a difference.
Let me back up a little bit. In truth, I bought the Gladiator cards, but still didn't use them in my next couple of frays (apparently because I am an idiot). The first time I did use one of the cards, I think it was either Hugo or Chimney and I am absolutely a convert now.
I remember the battle well... If I could find it, I would share it with you, but for now I will just recount it in script.
My entire team was wiped out save for my Gladiator card in the first slot. My opponent had a full team of about 5 cards waiting to reign down the pain on me. By some miracle, which I now know as the "Bloodlust" affix, my sole survivor started picking off the opponents cards one by one. With each killing blow he grew stronger and stronger.
It was magnificent!
After that battle, I was a convert!
I will be honest, I haven't had any victories quite like that first one using the Gladiator cards, but I think a lot of that has to do with me being lucky in that battle and not having the best strategy in the following ones. Like I said, I kind of suck at the game strategy wise.
Side Note
You could likely make a decent sum of money if you were the type of person who didn't mind watching other peoples battles and telling them what they might do differently to win in the future. I think there is a definite need for that kind of coaching. I know I could use it! (for the right price of course).
Since you can't trade, rent, or sell the Gladiator cards, you really have to purchase them simply for the love of brawling. They really shouldn't be seen as an investment like most of the other Splinterlands cards. I guess if you look at them from the point of view that they help you do better in brawls, so you earn more rewards they could be seen as an investment, but I digress...
My point is, if you brawl at all, and you haven't take the time to look into the Gladius Case cards, you absolutely need to do it. If you have been brawling for a while and haven't check them out, you might have enough merits sitting in your account to buy several packs. How awesome would that be?
From what I remember of my last couple brawls, not many people use these cards. I think that is a huge mistake. Getting even one or two of them in your hand, could turn the tide of your fortunes.
Final thoughts:
These cards are freaking amazing. Get some in your deck!