User blog comment:Tama63/Staffing Bug Fixed/@comment-139.168.136.53-20110919034318/@comment-185399-20110919100136

Unfortunately, everyone else is having the same problems as you. My machetes also cost 15 Gold, but I know many people that have to pay 56 Gold for theirs. This is due to Playdom testing different pricing schemes, and although not particularly fair to players, allows then to find which price works best. I'm sure the price will settle to be the same for everyone soon.

As for the Daily Bonus you mentioned, this is a rolling test feature, offered to random players for a limited time during the test phase. It is hoped that it will be rolled out to all players soon, as it's a much desired feature.

You also mentioned being unable to get more helpers. How many do you have? I'm on Level 32, and have 7 Helpers, just missing Myrtle the Turtle, and as far as I know, no-one has ever found her.