Just a little insight on my own point of view on tournaments for something to think about if you so choose
An average tournament is 30 Rounds, skipping a round is 4 gems each, a total of 116 gems if you have no fails. In skipping and using correct elements I've found I fail less, is it a guarantee? Not at all, but failing less than than normal but accounting for some fails, even if it cost another 20 gems due to fails 136 gems for an animal that costs 1200-2200 in the shop isn't a bad deal in my opinion, plus by finishing early I'm free to not ck in every hour and can concentrate on other things like breeding or planting or SB etc. I don't nuke for what is it 30 gems? It has never cost me 30 to pay 4 and try again..it's cost 8-12 before though! lol if you set a limit for yourself you can always either speed through the first few so you have more time to complete the tournament or play the first few and save gems to speed through the harder last rounds..or ignore all of this and free play through it it's all up to you!
As far as speed breeding, again it's up to you, but it does increase chances to breed 20x quickly rather than 1 wait 12 hours, 1 wait 17 hours etc. still..no guarantee though it's a gamble. If you do it, set gem limits for yourself, choose your best pair and do rebreeds with that same pair and hope the FFS gods smile in your favor lol just realize spending means nothing but a possible increased chance due to getting more breeds within the time limit, and that sometimes you win sometimes you lose its all random luck.
I'm not trying to say my way is THE way at all.. Just giving my perspective and if someone wants to strategize with it great I hope it helps you, if not the game is different for everyone in how they choose to play, there is no right or wrong way just your way so no matter what, enjoy it that's it, sorry for being long winded lol hope it makes sense!