I have told it many time: Only correct way is 1. build strong kd 2. start grow and war ABS. If you can win 1vs1 against ABS kds in ~~even terms you are good enough for compete with them. Problem is many kds choice to start small and compete with less active/organized kds. They grow middle age and how work sci system there is no way to beat kd who was bigger all age from you.
ABS have to deal with 1 max 2 kds per age from begin. After it they got control on top and its easy to keep it with 4 kds in top 5.
About bad and good deals. Its don't depend only from your wish. You get deal what you can get. Some times you don't have choice. Good example for it is Rage this age. They was forced to gave 2 free waves and eoa nap. With sage who is supposed to be strong after midle age and they cant war his only competitor its make all kd setup pure waste.