Faster pacing and less obnoxious IAP? Any other similar games? Good grief, you could spend hundreds of dollars on that game if you wanted to maximize the fun! But I also find it too slow. One and two whole days for upgrades so early in the game is ridiculous.
I'm already level 23 at CoC and never spent on it. I just forget about the game during the upgrade and get back to it when the upgrade finished. Also try Castle Clash https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/castle-clash-by-igg/id692669501?mt=8 Backyard Monsters https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/backyard-monsters-unleashed/id634186975?mt=8
The game might not be for you then. I always viewed it as something you play in bursts and then pick it up the next day for a little, etc. So, the daily upgrades isn't really that big of a deal. I don't usually gravitate towards those games but I'm sure there is something out there that warrants itself to longer play sessions.
Slow paced but sure number of addicted gamers You really have to wait for base improvements. Quits CoC couple of months ago, need to focus with "other" stuff