Temptation at $2.99: Crossing the Free-to-Play Threshold?

Or bundled conveniently at 15 packs of cards for $19.99, 40 for $49.99.  And down the rabbit hole one goes.  I have resisted for any number of reasons -- some parts, fiscal responsibility, others, insistence on the Free-to-Play concept.  But would purchasing a few cards be that wrong?

I mean, I gladly spend $60 for a retail Xbox One game without ever playing prior to purchase.  I couldn't tell you how many hours I've played Hearthstone, but that I haven't paid a cent for it -- principle almost has me thinking I should reward Blizzard for making something so great.  So fun and challenging and addictive.

I don't know if it's Pay-to-Win.  Polygon has a great article here about the dilemma.  It has reinforced my belief that I do not need to purchase cards.  Notably, Friedman points out the issues of longevity of play (i.e., the game is designed for a long run of leveling and earning/crafting is part of that) and limitations of selection (that decks are limited to two cards of any type, one legendary, and a cap of thirty overall).

Ranked match play starts at a high level (e.g., Level 25) and the player works himself through victories to an increased rank.  The lowest of levels allow for losing without penalty.  Beginning at Level 20, the player has a star count that tracks wins.  Level 20 requires three wins to move to Level 19.  There is a bonus star received for win streaks of three.  I am sitting at Level 19, with one victory.  A loss would put me at Level 19, zero stars.  Another loss brings me down to Level 20.  I have never made it to Level 18.

The great frustration is feeling like I've played as good a game as I can.  Certainly, there's some luck of fate given to the draw of cards.  What's punishing is feeling like my cards aren't, and will never be, as good as my opponent's because his/her deck is full of extra powerful cards, rares, epics, legendaries, that I do not have.  But for $2.99, I may improve my chances.  Or $19.99 for a bulk discount...

It's not that I don't want the shiny toys to take for a spin.  Sadly, what ultimately keeps me from crossing the Free-to-Play threshold is that Pay-to-Win is no guarantee.  Is there anything worse than knowing you have an advantage and still lose?  I like being able to go to the "they paid to win" well.  Everyone loves the underdog and I do not mean "Unleash the hounds."  Because all non-hunters hate those...