There really should be some cosmetic rewards for leveling the Hourglass up to the Curse.
Like for those sailing under the banner of the Pirate Lord: a Red Reskin (Like the Mighty Athena Cutlass) of the Pirate Legend Outfit, Equipment and Weapons.
And for the followers of Flameheart a "Corrupted" Pirate Legend outfit, along with Corrupted PL weapons and Equipment. (Weapons could be a re-skin of the Soul Flame Weapons)
Maybe even a re-color ship set for both.
Having something to get during the grind to 100 would entice more players to stick with the mode.
