I have been playing for about 6 years now, and I like Grepolis as much now, as when I started.
Sure, there are things that make it difficult for a casual user, like players who regularly use Gold, and play with the phone app, especially in a group of players that all play this way, and DEMAND the same from their whole alliance. But after all, Gold sales is how Inno makes their money to keep the servers open. There are plenty of ways to spend it in the game.
One thing I have noticed about more experienced players, is an apparent distaste for Speed 1 worlds. If you just want to be a casual player, try one of these worlds, and try to move out to the RIM (someone may even help you get there). The action out there is slower. If you are worried about having cities taken because you are smaller, Try a world like EN45 (Hyperborea), where there IS NO conquest. Many players also use Skype or Discord to communicate, and quickly share information and just general chatting outside the game.