What is the latest thing you've wasted 44k+ stardust on?
Yes, my CB Zapdos did go to level 35.5...but after that there was this...can I retroactively have my lucky count increase (I just assume I threw any potential luckies away)
Yes, this whole lucky fishing reveal is pretty dumb...I'm thinking people want a shiny whether it looks different or not (plus Registeel)

Answers
I took a shiny Hariyama 12a/15/15 from level 8 to level 30...then it took me 5 CTM's to get DP:) I have plenty other higher level fighters, but felt like a doof for not getting a shiny venusaur nor shiny charizard. My shiny Tyranitar was like 55% level 26, so no dust for that. Just felt I should have at least one functional/wild shiny. Missed shinies for Walrein/Kabutops/Omastar/Cloyster, too so not an option to power one of those
While preparing for the Zapdos day, I needed to empty my item bag (so I could buy premium raid passes). I had over 300 Rare Candies, so I spent 130 of those on my 93% Rayquaza and took him from lvl 20 to lvl 35. I also have been spending dust on my perfect Pinsir, just for fun.
But now there's a new hungry mouth craving for dust and candies, as I was lucky and caught a perfect weather-boosted Zapdos last Saturday. I guess I'll be concentrating on him next.