even when entering for "free" by asking for help from 5 friends, it takes so long to gain access that the ~1000 bells is SO not worth it. Am I the only one that feels this way? the idea of paying 20 leaf tickets to get a few bells is crazy imo
The quarry is an excellent source of essence. Sounds like you need more friends. It only takes a few minutes for 5 of mine to respond. The bells are just a bonus, use the quarry for essence, don't enter until the type you want is offered, and hopefully sparkling, as you have a better chance to get more.
Its always best to go to the quarry when the item that they are rewarding in the white bubble is in gold. You get more items this way.
Once you reach a higher level, you rely more on items than to bells here.