Hi @goodguymate - I'm also on the Hash Rush team, and wanted to comment that your exact point is something the Lead Game Producer and Chief Game Economist are putting a lot of time into figuring out, and the current idea, although not set in stone, is to allow for the tutorial and early stages to be played without requiring any payment.
We'll confirm when we can, but the plan is to allow players to, just as you say, try it for free.
Thank you for the answers, you guys are awesome :)