Well I surprised myself yesterday by hitting Gold I. I just shot up there. Seems to me the competition gets quite a bit harder up about this level. Settled into a bit of a rhythm here. Seems like level three monsters are now the norm at this area and I've built a few competent teams full of level threes. Getting much higher than threes is going to be expensive, especially since I've come in a bit later in the game. Rewards at this level sure are nice however. Can't wait to see what the end of the season brings in rewards.
I am noticing the competition seems easier earlier in the day. Don't know what to make of that fact yet... well here is to getting lucky and hitting diamond!