I concede... Another idea is just the first level up to 9 unchanged, because this would allow some practice. I actually still use the early provinces for practice.
Another idea is declining by chapter, so say no change through to chapter 5, down to 3 for chapter 6 and 7, down to 2 for chapter 8 and 9, and down to one by chapter 10. Then the increased time demand as your game gets bigger is offset by reduced encounters. There could even be a tech for each of the three reductions, "reduced tournament encounters." With all the free diamonds, they could even put it in the tech tree as optional with diamonds to open, 500, 1000, 1500...
When I think about this, it would actually leave people who don't want a change that option...
But, we have these big discussions and no feedback from inno as to whether they'd even consider the idea, so it is all really mute at this point... I wish we'd get feedback...
But, I think I am coming to the end of my time with this game just because I am finding I am dreading the tournament. It is like a tolerance switch was hit it has just become too much...