I've tried Layer 2 ARB / MetaMask; regular Uniswap; PancakeSwap; Trust Wallet / BNB; Phantom -- I cannot figure out how to buy ethereum-based altcoins without spending $30~ in GasFees. How do you actually buy smart contract altcoins without high fees?

I have a list of a little over a dozen / slightly more Altcoins that have real solid purpose. I've tried to install so many variations of DEXs and similar.

ARB Layer 2 seemed promising but the problem is that the selection of crypto didn't have what regular Layer 1 had. I am not sure what I am missing but even if Layer 2 has lower fees, if it doesn't have the actual availability I am back to square one.

Things I've tried:

Layer 2 ARB / MetaMask 

CEXs:

Gemini Coinbase Kraken Crypto.com 

DEXs and others:

Uniswap PancakeSwap Trust Wallet's market Phantom's market 

I am open to your suggestions. Currently I am at a total loss how people are buying these smart contract oriented alt coins.