I thought token events were much, much easier when I played them, actually. In my first token event, I almost went t2 with just level-up planning and not wasting any LP. In my first score match, I wasn't able to get the SR.
It always ended up mostly like that afterwards, too. Barely getting the SR in score matches and getting SR in token events with like, 6 days to spare.
Play EXs, get that token value. Sometimes it may be better to play hards/normals just to get that level up faster. After you get enough tokens, play the hard event song. Waiting for EX to come isn't my style because I like to plan when I'll level up with the freebie songs. This event is pure value- even if you get nothing, it'll help you level up with the event song plays that don't spend LP, just tokens.