I have been playing this game since it first opened in the US in the fall of 2013. I have enjoyed it for a long time. I spend some money for gems because it has seemed worth it. This particular event has the worst drop rate of any event I can remember. It may be first time since 2013 that I won't finish an event. I have been playing pretty steadily, I have a fair number of alicorns, and I still am not sure about completing the Tea Party. The sheer volume of items needed combined with the abysmal drop rate is making the game less attractive to me. We have been chopping rocks for a long time now in many different events and it is getting a little boring. I may complete this one, but I'll bored to tears chopping rocks and grass (60 chops to get 7 porcelain clay, 15 tall grass to get 2 spring petals)
SW, thanks for being the best Mod - your creativity and commitment to the community is outstanding. And thanks to all the "speeders" who move ahead to give the community vital information.
Good luck to all in finishing this one.