For some, me included, the cost of balls and occasional club purchases is worth it.
Back to the premise of this thread. Getting to Legend in the shortest possible time is notable, but not necessarily advisable for most. I cuda been a Legend a while ago and will be any day. About 6 months and countless Alt shot, CTTH, practice rounds with selective ranked rounds and tourneys and a great deal of study in the forums. Recently have preferred being at the top of the Tour master field instead of the bottom of legends. Having gone out of my way to play Legends in Alt Shot, now know i am ready for Legend and will enter that status as a 'middle of the road' legend and then work my way up.
We all find our own way, in our own time - congrats though!