Lol, I know what you mean--I hate spending gold (only do it when I'm absolutely losing my mind on a level. Made it pretty far into the game without using boosts or buying extra time...but eventually I got "fed up" too...) Level 439 is etched in my mind. When I read your post about the "upper glass squares," I immediately knew which level you meant--it's so hard to get to them. I'm glad they added more moves to the level, much needed. And thank goodness for diamonds (and "lucky" rounds, like when I got a blaster + bomb combo at the top of the board. Wow, at the time I was SO excited!)
Anyway, congrats on passing--level 439's a tough one! And def don't feel bad about the gold. If you have to spend a little once in awhile to bypass difficult or frustrating levels--so be it. It's only now & then, to continue enjoying the game, and moving on to more fun levels. I used to stress on it, but not anymore. I just accept that occasionally, I have to spend a little $ to avoid the frustration of certain levels. And since I don't spend ANY gold/gems on my other games, I don't feel too wasteful...
Good luck, and have fun!!!