User blog comment:Lily yuri/Golden apple swap? Another stupidity from zynga.../@comment-7936242-20130711002908

I think the whole concept of these "free" golden apples is to function as a stamp sheet.

You spend a certain amount of money and get, aside from the product you bought, a stamp for your card (which you hope to complete for a reward).

Now of course all these actions and bargains are aimed to lure the consumer into spending money. It is the consumer however, who ultimately decides whether to spend or not.