I want to say first, airdrop is free. The bull market will start in 2025, and most telegram mini games are currently running. Although few projects are paying off so far. OP As you say many projects are asked to do ton transactions. Yes, it is true that they ask for transaction in almost all free projects, but it is not mandatory. If you feel like it you will, and if you don't want to don't. I think no money should be spent on freebies. If you spend money on it, you get some more rewards.
Yes, I see that most airdrops are like that, it requires broad insight and understanding about this airdrop, so that all the that are obtained will be easier, without having to pay a certain, with the presence of airdrops of course it becomes an option to find airdrops that really get the appropriate prize.