Yeah, I'm doing the same, using the deactivated encounters as placeholders essentially and manually dropping in monsters. Annoying, but playable, and have framed it to my players that it's distance of vision is why they can't see all encounters immediately.
Though finding it hard to test encounters ahead of time. Tried creating NPC's with the same skills and equipment as my players, and then battling the monster encounters I have. The tests are obviously biased and feel decent. But actual engagements seem to favor my players.
Not sure if anyone has any suggestions on testing encounters for difficulty/challenge, prior to getting players in there?
