Checked my roster and I have a 1* Hulk, couldn't be happier, I'll attempt Variant 4 when I get a couple more R4 5 stars or my first 6 star
I have open about 1500 unit for *1-2 crystal and get no Hulk *1, but i got gamora. I think Gamora is enough, change some mastery for fury. Then collect about 30 revive and potion, full booster attack, health, sp. Only hit using Light attack (Gamora), each enemy will cost 4-5 revive. If lucky only 3 revive. That will save your unit from opening more *1-2 crystal. I have bypass 2 path. 1 last past for Poison/Temper path.
Imo the smartest thing you can do if you have no 1* is just ignore v4. The rewards are not that great, to be fair
I think I have a solution. They could reset daily crystals and make it to where if you get proven or something, you get proven, contender and befinner daily crystals. That way, if you're cav or UC, you can still get lower level crystals and earn 1-Stars.