Everyone has their own aspect of the game they enjoy more or that is more suited to their skill set and situation. Some of us live in remote areas where raiding is not likely and can farm, while others can barely keep a dominator up without having it being taken due a highly populated area. For those that thrive under battle conditions, I imagine there is a higher energy gain by fighting while those that do not would make more spirit grinding. Some prefer going to Weavers to gain their primary energy. I happen to be great at raiding tactics and gain the most that way but stopped living up to my potential in that aspect because of the rage expressed towards me for it.

All of these I mention are extremes of course, and I would expect most players fall somewhere in the middle by using a bit of all these game aspects, leaning towards whatever works best for them.

Your energy gains from battles will differ if you try to attack beacons and doms, or if you try to attack other mages. If an enemy mage dodges you get no energy for missing, and it uses your mana. Enemy beacons and doms don't dodge.