I just had an epiphany.
How much silver could you buy with the gold you spend on a premium tank, and how long does it take to play that tank to the break-even point?
Although, there are moments a premium tank is worth it. I was running the T-127 the other day, ruling the map (mines) with a hard iron fist, top gun, steel wall, all the rest, and people in chat asking in hushed tones what I had in that thing. My humble response was "Mad Skillz" as I shot the last enemy.