How discouraging, I have only been on level 550 for a week and then read some take months to beat it. I agree there are not enough Papa Pears allowed for the number of bounces it takes to open buckets. I have not resorted to paying as of yet and do not intend to do so. I am 76 years old and quite proud of my gaming skills but this one sucks, as the younger crowd would say. LOL!