A lot? You spent 33 very easy to get threads. You are in a world of hurt once you level up more. Wait until you get into level 6-7, 7-8, 8-9.

And no it's not uncommon to fill up most of the meter before it levels up. Don't worry about Battle Armor that much, use threads whenever you get them but it offers so little power for how much it takes, it's not really worth it after the first few easy-medium levels.

This right here is 720 advanced threads without leveling yet.