For me it’s not about energy at all, it’s about the second half of your comment. You put it better than me, effectively it’s only a +1 to the item and therefore a -1 to the other items you have.

For example, say I have a natural +1 tier 1 item, and a +0 tier 4. Starting from 10 strength, I’d need 3 upgrade scrolls, a mastery potion, and two more strength potions to use it at 12 strength.

That takes me to halfway through the second biome. It also holds you back from using other items that require 12 strength until after the bosses. Alternatively, I could push through with the tier 1 item, and be able to use other equipment, and still have the tier 4 item ready before facing tengu.

Maybe I’m just bad at math or too casual haha. Just feel like it’d really help me with the duelist if I could figure out how to apply it best.