Yes, uncle Zetta_Lux has once again come up with another ground-breaking suggestion.
Nonetheless, it's difficult enough for new players to play. Makes me glad for not being a new player (LOL gg new players). But seriously, make tier one floors cost 0 energy. Or at least reduce the cost to like 5 energy. Or make the first stratum free and the second stratum 10 energy per floor.
To me, this energy cost 'crisis' has minimal effect. I don't care if I have to pay 10k crowns for 100 CE - it's still free and I can conjur up 10k crowns fine with my mist energy. But it's not me who I'm concerned about... I'm concerned about new players. It seems that the tighter Three Rings squeezes on this energy, the more the *new players* are affected. I'm sure it's nearing to unplayable for them unless they buy CE with real money. My suggestion shall justify their souls...
... That I will eat if PvP comes out.
Another solution:
Make a separate event from the Clockworks. Perhaps you can make something like the Rescue Camp dungeon in Haven that costs no energy, but has minimal crown gain. Good for players who no longer have energy to spend.
Also, Three Rings, give ZettaLux his 10 CE back when Vanaduke disappeared into thin air yesterday.