Things have been alright for me
Pre-loot update I was a big fan of raiding in crystal III. After the loot update it was awsome for a few days but then massive hogging and duel infernos made the place a desert. Then the gem boosts came and I raided up in Crystal I. Loot was pretty good, DE flowed like water, but maintaining my raids was going to be impossible after the boosts were done (might of done better now that I've gotten allot better at balloonions but ya know)
So I reluctantly headed to the promise land of Gold I
Now I've been at 1900-2000 pretty regular. Occasionally dipping into the 1800-1900 range depending on loot, occasionally going above 2000 when its good - and I have to says its not bad. Balloons work pretty well here, but the cost of minions can be hard to compensate for (as the DE isn't great). There is enough in-actives to make Barching effective most of the time.
Some days are bad but I raid typically at 5:30-7:30 central time (AM) and at various times in the evening for short or longer periods depending on the day and what I am doing. Its not my favorite range but that disappeared and it keeps my builders busy.