Just 2 cents from an advanced player: the spire is very much worth it. I understand that not everyone may "enjoy" it, but the rewards are worth the costs. Every fellowship should aim for spire gold
If the FS I'm in decided to do gold spire every week I would find a new FS. (Already did that once before)
To YOU the spire is worth the cost, that is not necessarily so to everyone.
"But the diamonds...blah, blah, blah"
The diamonds-for me personally-either are a wash or a very minimal gain after getting all the way to the top. And sometimes a loss.
Yes, I know-just quit the negotiation and start over. So either I'm out diamonds or even MORE goods.
I fight as much as I can without using 5 day bldg/pet food unless I've already got those out for a push.
I simply don't see the worth of gold every week and probably never will.
Especially if they decide to put frags back in the top boss chests!
The tourney is far more worthwhile to me.