True, but like you said... the disadvantage is huge.
As tempting as it is to buy VC, I wouldn't do it. Not just cuz I think it's lame for 2k to make you want to pay for VC, but the amount of time you're going to need to spend grinding will actually get you the VC.
Some people say badges don't matter, but I'm a believer that badges make a huge difference. Certain things you can't even do until you get the badge. Every player should have at least 30 badges and you'll probably earn 300k+ VC grinding for em, so just be patient and earn VC as you go.
Since the story sucks, you should put it on Rookie Mode/100 Speed/12minute quarters and spam moves to earn the specific badges you're looking for. Ignore the idea of winning a championship, just focus on grinding. Winning a championship and all that other stuff is just as boring and uninspired as the rest of the "story," so just do the grind and move on to the real fun: playing online.