It seems fairly easy to calculate how much energy has been used on each level and apply that to a go forward. Whilst fixing this fubu, suspending ongoing progress and restarting the event at a predetermined time/date enables everyone to prepare. To summarize:
1. Suspend event
2. Apply energy used and advance factions to that point
3. Announce time date event will restart
4. Restart event as announced.
There is your action plan to satisfy every player. They get credit for the effort (and gold) put in. The event functions as intended.
