About subplasma... No one likes to lose a duel, especially when the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of the attacker as in subplasma attacks case. I can understand that it leads to a feeling of powerlessness, of despair, of feeling that nothing you can do can help you win... And you're right, there isn't, a least not now... But there is something you can do, you can improve. I was lucky, got the best teacher a doomlords could ever hope to get, she knocked some sense into my head, puting me on the right path. To be successful in this game ( and beat manunkind in a duel. Sorry mate, you know they want to

) there is only one trick, efficiency when it comes to soul energy... It a harsh thing to say, but ignore subplasma attacks ( unless the person using subplasma is close to your level... Then start paying attention). As it as been said subplasma don't hurt you in any way, it gives soul energy to the attacker via torture chamber , but you can counter it with the scarab ( waste of ancient stones in my opinion but to each his own)... To make the most out of soul energy get the energy harness skill, it will dramatically improve clan championship/ pit battle rewards, get the coupon relics that increase energy harness maximum, get the relics that reduce the cost of abilities and skills ( maximizing them this mandatory), and spend your ancient stones wisely... For me ancient stones went nearly exclusively for emerald boxes until I hit the cap of ability cost reduction... Hitting that cap the fastest you can will increase your power by a lot.
Do this and when you reach manunkind level you'll be at his power level... Gaguska is a different story, like Khine said, she is the goddess, but it's good having someone like that, it gives you a goal.
Btw, the vast majority of the soul energy I earn didn't came from stealing energy from other players... It came from pit and clan championship.
Just something for you to think about. I think you guys are in s good position to become really powerful, you just have to take the leap.