The Arena
-Spiral Knights should have a player versus player arena.
-Using a system similer to dungeon exploration, two players would fight one another, each has the option to put down CR or CE, the loose how much they bet when they loose, but gain what the other bets when they win, BUT if you do not place down a certain amount (maybe 100 cr minimum OR 1 CE minimum?) There can also be spectators, each betting on who would win it works the same EXCEPT you cannot gain more than you bet. Also going into the arena is free, which is why there are bets.
-So it does the following:
1. gives people incentive to play even AFTER they loose all there energy for the day
2. Creates yet another way to gain and loose crowns (a fun way, even)
3. adds a new feature that many people wanted (however I mostly see the requests in game rather than in forum)

Preventing battle inbalance

Split The arena into tiers
Tier 1= 0 to 1 star equipment ONLY
Tier 2= 2 to 3 star equipment ONLY
Tier 3= 4 to 5 star equipment ONLY

pre-battle shops

-Have shops where you buy recipes and gear before you enter the battle arena, it should also have a crafting machine.
-This would allow players to get the gear they need for the battle.

player ranks

-Save data on how many victories and losses a player has.
-This data shows up on scoreboards and on the betting menu
-The player is also given a "star ranking" The players rank is 0-5 stars based on there current equipment.
-If possible players of a similar rank will be matched in the arena.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.