There is no point in my scouting any encounters because they all need orcs now. I am in fairies and unlikely to get to orcs before the event ends. I cannot guarantee I can unlock research in time for this task and as for Level 20 - no-one under orcs can upgrade to 20 (at least I haven't seen any).
I'm not sure why the devs think that this is a fun but challenging event - but from what I've seen it's going to be yet another damp squib. I think they seriously need to reconsider exactly what this game is about - and whether they even understand that concept.
If the tasks were challenging and interesting, I'd agree with those who say we need tougher tasks; but, they are neither. Some are out of reach tough for many players, with no way to complete them. Some of us don't have time to sit just waiting for the XX 5mins, 15mins, 1hour supplies and all of these tasks are the same ol' same ol' as all the other events.
Upgrading to level 20 is easy, if you've reached orcs and have a building that can be upgraded. Complete a research is easy - if you aren't stuck in dwarves or fairies waiting for specialised goods. Win 40 encounters is easy if you can scout enough provinces, train enough troops or gather enough goods and don't need orcs (as I do).
Produce XX bread, XX advanced tools, XX beverages, train XXX troops, win XX encounters - there isn't and hasn't been one innovative or interesting task in any recent event.
I haven't had one fellow in any of my FSs say 'oh wow, great event - I'm really looking forward to it'. Invariably it's 'think I'll pass' or '3min instants, 1KP, @$$%&* or words to that effect . Even the bigger cities who are in halflings or dragons can't be bothered with this event.
Players are getting quite tired with the constant stream of events which require them to keep expanding their map - but at the same time, making it less appealing to do so.