I experienced the same before the update about 10 days ago. This is the first I have seen someone dropped midway through the match. Technically a legit player can go up about 150 points in an hour if they get an average of 9 stars per match and fast forward through the rounds. If perfect about 180 points could be achieved in an hour. But that could not be sustained hour after hour.
Right now I think things are being played within the games intent. Rovio does benefit by encouraging more jewels are spent.
It is a business, and to RedYoshis point. There are more rewards now than past. Some things cost more. But I for one think it is an improved game with less cheating.
No doubt that with decent skills anyone can win with enough jewels/money invested.
It would be good if there was a sub level that you could test your skill separately where no additional games or spells could be used and see who wins in that arena.
Then the only advantage would be those that watched closely when the 3 hours expires.
Although there is a way to get the free rounds faster than 3 hours perhaps that could be blocked for that specific format.
Just an idea