Ok, not so new here. Started 12 Jan. 20 days, I guess?
Spent about 800 mobacoins so far and extracted 16 TE out of that. I rationalized that since most good iphone games cost about 3-6 bucks this was a reasonable investment. Didn't pull any 5s or 6s but compared to the horror stories I've heard, it could have been considerably worse...
Was lucky to find this forum a week into playing, there's a ton of good info here and the community is amazing - friendly, helpful, very fast replies.
I clock 12 hour days on average - currently level 95, have 2 decent maxed 5s, Sheryl and Mihiro, acquired through trading up maxed 4s and TE earned from aggressive trading/sales of feeders, 4*s, pots, basically everything but the kitchen sink.
(Man, trading is complicated in this game. I LOVE IT.)
My greatest regret was burning through all the quests and training so early on - once I've hit a certain target in events I only log on to farm cards from training and send out ally braves, while waiting for the next event.
I guess my advice to recent new players would be to read as much as you can on this forum (especially the general discussion section and events) and play at a speed you're comfortable with. The game is very pay to win (one of my allies probably pumped in $300-500 just for his first 6* off a box), but as an (almost) free player it's quite possible to enjoy the game... what you put in is what you get.
Well adios and see you guys online!