Thank you for helping me get a clearer vision of how to proceed.This article explains the basics of SimCity Buildit for new mayors.
Now I know enough to dump at least one and hopefully find an upgrade kit for the remaining Pillar should I keep it around as well. I can do better with what an upgrade costs by buying other buildings which are much more versatile and also have zero problems attracting stars. So the only worthwhile and maybe accurate (still need to see the results myself) comment you made was to get the Pillar upgraded. Decorations have never been an obstacle to seeing my special buildings getting stars before but when it came to the Pillar and Witch Doctor, it was like they were the Spawn of Satan who would not get a single glimpse from the angels who spread stars. I have lots of Friends who do the Aid deal. As for FP's, that should not matter since Kiosks, which also do not produce FP's, get star priority without any problem. Sorry to say the residential buildings have received stars while the supposedly special Pillar has not.