Yeah, it's lots of fun! for me, this is primarily why I play. But after playing for 2 years i obvs get some benefits. But 95% of my tokens are still reinvested in the game because I want to progress. Probably the only place I will really be a rockstar!
NFTs definitely help you earn more, rank better and help you level up. It's a game of balancing skills and fans and to progress to the next zone you need certain cards and achievements in place.