I like the unupped version which is something in between UP and balanced (which is good).
The upped card is a totally different card I personally don't like that much. I'd prefer the same card as the unupped one, but 1-2 quanta more expensive, but each shade generating 2 when played.
That could work out. I did the flip here to promote a decision between immediate payoff or longterm benefit when upgrading.
I'm also a fan of cards that change utility upon ugrading (chaos seed vs chaos power)
But I also understand that can be frustrating for some players, so I think your idea could work out well too.
I'll put up an alternate version shortly.