[EdTheKet]

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but I know that an ECDQ is a big deal, and you want to ensure they live up to their names.

Maybe this example is illustrative of the work that goes into an ECDQ. I will take Rufus' one as example.
1) Gain understanding of the character by reading the bio, the ECDQ application, development threads, character profiling thread and quest-write ups where the character played a part in (several hours, especially if you don't know the character)
2) Come up with a fitting task/event for the character which would be deemed epic (hopefully, you get an idea at #1)
3) Write the initial ECDQ plan including branches in the story, possible ways to fail and succeed, anticipate what routes player can take, prefarably include crucial rolls and their DC (couple of hours). For Rufus, I had catered for 7 different endings, of course only one came to pass.
4) Discuss ECDQ plan with Leanthar and Pankoki for suitable difficulty level worthy of epicness (1-2 hours)
5) Finalize ECDQ plan
6) Run the ECDQ (often multiple sessions, often logging in an hour in advance or more to prepare areas, so about 12-14 hours in total)
So I think in total, thinking, planning and running Rufus ECDQ cost me around 26 hours, which is all my own time, and I do it because I enjoy it and have the time for it. Not everyone is willing to, or able to, invest so much time to run these kinds of events.
Thought that might shed some light on why not every GM runs ECDQs even if they would be capable to, it might take too much time.
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