Splinterlands - Climbing out of Bronze

I have returned to playing Splinterlands after some time away and I have been reset down to Bronze.
I am finding it impossible to escape as my Level 4 summoners and cards are reset down to Level 2.
Is there any strategies that work well to escape this level and get back to Silver and eventually Bronze?
It is incredibly frustrating and not fun at all, especially after spending hundreds of dollars to level up cards that are effectively useless.
Sorry for the complaining, but I feel like quitting completely as it is not in the least bit enjoyable, especially when it is supposed to be a game.