I've frequently had problems with the unannounced Clashes when I used my free pass in the German morning, one or two hours before 12 pm PT when the Clash starts. Then, I have no free pass and no chance to play ("Never buy passes!" is my credo).
Until now, the clock on the free passes had been reduced to four hours, so I could at least play in the next Clash if I wanted.
Different now: The pass clock shows 6 hours after we started a Clash - no chance for me to join this one and a late "welcome" to the next. This will continue from game to game...
My small motivation to play the Event is well dampened!