Another trick that I use to do all the time was start collecting for a mini event right away
BUT switch to airport mode before collecting my first item. Then I‘d put my device in airport mode before I’d log in every time or until I forget. I’d usually make it until the next morning, so I could get my daily reset. The advantage to this is the game won’t put you in a leaderboard until it makes that first internet connection
but it remembers all of the items you’ve already collected and should give you a nice lead in your lederboard.
Haven't come across anything saying what we need to be at. Based on how stingy they’ve been with vases, it’s wouldn't surprise me if they need to be a little higher. Had my characters at the same levels as you, but leveled my Pegasus to 4 and panic to 3 tonight. Now I’m just gonna focus on trying to get my characters ready to the next level and collect as many vases as possible before Hercule. Hopefully I do t regret my decision to level those two up tonight.