Is f2p viable?

I don't seem to be able to consistently beat any decks that use EX pokemon without having any of my own. 0% win rate vs Starmie/Articuno nonsense, 41% vs Pikachu and 32% vs Mawtwo/Gardevoir. I'm using Rapidash/Ninetails. It looks like EX pokemon are way too tanky and too cheap to retreat. Was excited for the game but it seems like a complete money grab