That is OK. I have played about 800+ levels in past two months due to I got the free gold bars in previous events. Maybe this is "adjustment period" for now.
You said that "King have made this a pay to pass level", I need to buy gold bars then to pass level probably. I am in China now, and I can't pay via Chinese payment platform, so the possible solution is go to Hong Kong to buy a Google Play gift card, then use demo phone to sign in my Google and FB account to download CCS,…
If one element will be changed I think it needs to notify in advance. If this is a Chinese platform it is must to do, which is protecting consumer rights.
I just found that the next daily win reward is 5 minute party booster again, I don't know King changed the rule quietly. It needs to notify all players in advance if one gameplay is changed!