the spend ~33k for repeated events is way back with where the spend ~16k is located.
in the first section for an event are 2 recruits, 2 fill gear spots, 1 or 2 spend tokens and 1 special quest.

in the second section for a repeat event are 2 more recruits, 2 fill gear spots, and 1 special quest.

some of these may not be filled if you didn't complete a recruit, or have luck to fill the spots, or play a lot of free plays to use up enough tokens, or didn't manage to do the special quest.

you can fill gear using crafting, you can do most special quests as long as you know what is needed (some must be done during the event though).
but recruiting must be through the event objective, i.e. missions granting you a crusader doesn't give you the achievement), and of course spending tokens must be during the event.

I suspect my first sentence answers your question but i like being long winded.

Raymond:
> i.e. missions granting you a crusader doesn't give you the achievement

May I clarify this, please? I can understand that you don't get the achievement at the time you recruit the crusader through a mission, but does that mean you NEVER get the achievement, or does it turn up automatically when the relevant event finally comes round?

If you never get it, then it appears I am doing myself out of some achievements by completing the recruitment missions, and that would be sad. :-(

Thanks, snow. I hoped it would be that!