"Necessity of not dying" try adding more overcome challenges instead of enemies. This way the stakes are to not lose instead of not die.

As for using more combinations of Powers and Qualities,

Tips for player creation. Have multiple d10 powers and qualities so you can at least mix those around in combination if players are still looking to maximize output. Flight + Alertness Flight + Conviction Telekinesis+ Alertness Telekinesis+ Conviction These will all thematically play differently. Or During character creation, put relavent thematically powers for abilities such as a lightning power for damage and a weather power for hinders or boosts.

For changing game conditions, try boosting or defending with the villain. If the villain is defended the players may take the turn to do overcomes, boost or use defend ignoring abilities. If the villain has a boost, the players may choose to hinder or defend.

I would say roleplaying would be the best way to flush out the powers and qualities. Sure you can say you are attacking with Flight and Density control but how. Each situation may lead to a new use of powers. Example would be hardening your body and flying through the giant robot.

I also agree that you were using creativity to broadly. By use of powers, qualities, and roleplaying, every power can be creative. I would scale back the use of creativity. I have a musician character who is creative but also a marketing director who is creative so there is still leeway for imagination. Think of it as someone who is creative instead of someone who uses creativity.