So, should I be able to use my powers or is the game freezing up every time I try to some kind of meta-textual wink and nod to how powerless I really am?
I think the costs are too high for changing your element and upgrading a card. For me, the fun of a strategy game is trying out different strategies. The costs make that far too difficult.
 "Curl Up and Fly!"){kind=icon}
 "StrikeForce Kitty"){kind=icon}
 "Apokalyx"){kind=icon}
 "Red Jet Rabbit"){kind=icon}
 "Elements"){kind=icon}