Purchasing like that, doesn't necessarily mean that you will pass the level. It's better to learn the strategy and play it fairly. Check out these videos for example: https://www.youtube.com/results?q=2381+candy+crush&sp=CAI%253D
Hey, if the game is starting to frustrate you then take a step back from it. Remember its meant to be a game to be enjoyed. Take a break and come back refreshed, you'll feel better for it.
I think if you're playing in these contents then you need to be online when they end to see where you rank. With so many people playing, it's easy to fall down the rankings. I don't think it's safe to say that you thought you would be top with all the players etc.
Have you tried all of the recommended steps that King have provided here: https://care.king.com/en/candy-crush-saga/lost-your-connection-to-facebook-android
How many times did this happen Becca? I've had it happen to me a few times, just gotta restart it unfortunately. There are a few things here which might help with freezing issues: https://care.king.com/en/candy-crush-saga/loading-crashing-issues-ios
Is the issue that you can't ask them, if so, what happens when you do? Or is it that your friends list isn't available. Try to say what device you're using and provide some more information.
I'm not sure I would class a 4 second delay as a bug in the game Lucy. That can be pretty normal when the app is loading. King have a thread with some troubleshooting steps which help the game to run smooth, maybe this will improve things but honestly, 4 seconds isn't anything to worry about:…
Using boosters doesn't guarantee that you will pass the level so don't fall into that way of thinking. Stick with it, we've all been there, you'll pass it eventually.