I'll update this thread as I come up with more ways to fix this issue, but I strongly feel that whatever algorithm chooses items for quests needs to be updated. Since the quests primarily choose the same items, the prices of these items have skyrocketed and made it not only unprofitable to play many quests, but it is practically impossible for users without much TU to play. They can't afford the items to turn in, and even if they can, they lose money because the rewards don't match.
For example: toy quest very frequently asks for kayoki ball and gold frisbee, and the reward for this quest is generally much less than 200k per tier. Please search these items in the merchant shops and you'll immediately see the problem.
I propose a couple solutions:
1. Have the algorithm select from a wider variety of items (such as including common items rather than just the rarer ones).
2. re-stock items typically used for quests at a higher rate than currently.
3. Adjust the algorithm so it stops selecting these items as frequently.
With the squishy quest, we've seen that raising the rewards (though greatly appreciated and definitely a good plan) does not solve this issue on its own. A few minutes ago I was very annoyed to find that I was asked for a natural cyid squishy, which was 500k in one merchant and 1.5mil+ in others. I would really like to help solve this problem not only for myself but also for new users needing TU, users looking for active ways to play on the site, and all users in general so that everyone can use the quests. What's the point of having quest turns daily if you feel like you have to stock up all week then only use those turns on a given day to ensure you have the items? I think the quests are really fun and a great way to keep users engaged, but not if most users can't participate due to cost.
Please add your ideas here! I'd love more input from others.