that is part of the problem they need to solve. [Why should people join tournaments]. Right now if you think just about min-max or gain, then it is limited to early game (when you have little cash, low skills and bad gear). If you dont worry about gains, you can do them for fun at any time tho. But there is little gameplay reason for that.
if they change that, then we could see the impact on your gear selection too. The [when] you should use [what].
- tournaments to gain affection on your marriage ritual
- tournaments as part of noble feasts
- tournaments to gain relationship with fellow nobles
- tournaments where you watch, not fight, but you can put your companions and bet on them.
- national tournaments (you qualify by being a local champion)
stuff like that