25~ is the normal level you reach without medal (28 with). After that you just have to wait for the next day. Regarding Gear, there is no rule that says you always have to keep it updated. You do get quite a few materials from the 7 day checkin, but you c*so buy some of it from the black market.
Do not strenghten past level 20 on the first day, the cost increase after it is just to high compared to the group skills you can get for the same amount of silver.

There are few more tips on my site if you want to read through them: http://www.naruto-online.help/top-beginner-mistakes/