The other problem is you don't need SPS ONLY to play.
For new players, Spellbook for $10
and cards.
Even if you have $9k SPS to reach the highest league, you can't if all you have are lvl 1 cards. Heck, you can't even earn rewards if you have starter cards ONLY.
So, add that to the new SPS requirment and let us all meet in silver league.