Personally, I think sculpting gets REALLY expensive really fast. and while we are "not" supposed to worry about landscaping, I find that is one of the best aspects of this game.

Thus, I propose there is an optional card that makes sculpting cheeper. this card could effect cost 1 of two ways.

Option 1: It could just reduce the price by a %. plain and simple.

Option 2: it could calculate mountains as 1 layer lower, so the first layer of grass is free to sculpt, and every subsequent layer above costs as if it is 1 cheeper. same, but reversed can be applied to the sea.

the whole upgrade system can be implamented into both of these, allow people to spend amounts of gems, food, or ore to get more layers off/% off