They used to have this feature - as well as a chart which showed which level all of your friends were on. While I can't think of any good reason to remove these feature (which already existed), it likely has something to do with money - it always does.
Well what d'ya know?! I went back and gave it another try - and got through it on the first try. Now sure if this is coincidence, or if "corrections" have been made. Seems easier to create the needed "color bombs".