Overall, my biggest suggestion for changing things in this QVIC to HOH phase would be make T1 less grueling in the sense that it's farming crystals just to farm crystals while providing no upgrades, challenge, excitement... just running a group around trees to kill a dragon in a few seconds.
You farm crystals just to pop a boss that in turn will grant you armor, accessories, and essences. You can also sell the crystals for cash. The dragons drop gems for cash as well and mats to make your armor combines. Consider the farming the grind and the excitement the turn in and boss kills.