So another player and I were talking about a cool way that one could test out your defenses as well as finding a way that would always make you want to keep leveling up.
Introduce some type of Sparring Mode. This mode can only be used amongst other members of your Clan. It would allow you to discover your weak spots and determine what upgrades need to be made to your defenses, and if you lose you dont lose trophies but a certain amount of Gold and or Elixir.
Also, this mode can be used to challenge the Leaders, Co-Leaders and Elders within your clan. In a best 2 out of 3, the winner would take away the rank of the loser. Obviously the loser would be given the right to take back his status after a certain amount of time by challenge.