Does the pet and stuff help alot?

I don't think it does, well it's just me. I paid the Normal version no need more. I'll just throw money in the cash shop if needed.

I don't think so either
As far as I've seen CE it's usually not worth it
Allthough it's also not that much more expensive to fret about if ya do get it

So up to you, can always get that stuff from in game cs which currency can be gained by in game gold

I got the CE since yeh its only a little more, dont know much much impact it will have in game but might help a little.