The cards flavor text highlights its long tail which serves as a ground to protect it from its own high voltage, a detail that purists appreciate
Both Teal Mask Ogerpon ex and Hydrapple ex have abilities that let players attach additional Grass Energy to Pokemon, with different extra benefits
Circling back to TAUC costs, you could argue its actually even closer to free than other alternate costs: life points and cards in hand are expendable resources, and (at least for drawing cards) somewhat expensive to replenish
You can get card sleeves, playmats, coins to show off your style, and repeat cards can be turned into Shinedust, which can then be spent to gussy up your cards with custom animations and the like
Grading is usually most worthwhile for cards that already have meaningful market value
Gemstone Caverns Gemstone Caverns offers a powerful mana advantage, assuming you lose the die roll and have a card to spare