Sounds like many great ways, but something that's for sure is Magicians way. Make a great team of friends and horde the loot and give out to those who actually put in the effort. I seem unlucky in my sage war grouping and my side has not won yet. Plus, I'm not strong enough to get top 3.
Matsuri Challenge, same thing, Always fighting the lvl 80's. They need to bracket or cross server battles for that event.
I definitely focus on them during events and skip out on the ninja fragments as I doubt I'll afford them in one go. Just wait and save my coupons. I'm able to horde stuff and wait till I see something I want. Just like you it seems Ryonell.