Artillery

Hi All
I am a C36 with all troop buildings up to level 36.
but my artillery is sitting at Level 30 as badges are hard to find for free.
I have a few members that say that badges are a waste of time and I have a few that have trap castles and say that artillery helps with defence allot.
what’s your take on the whole thing please as I don’t want to waste materials and as my artillery research and talents are lacking find it hard to see the benefit of T11 or T12 Artillery.