you can get medium level refines from shops and events and the monthly event so its not that bad but server age helps too but your not at that great a disadvantage but then again what would i know i don't even bother doing arena...

I started playing the game in July and stopped about mid august but i came back near the start of march and back then there wasn't much of a reason to do arena and neither is there one now arena in my eyes is not worth the trouble and waiting times.Maybe if there was more of an incentive or if negatives were removed more people would be doing arena and you guys wouldn't have to wait as long but as of now it isn't worth the hassle.
But if you do arena enjoy the five minute waiting times ;P