However, since Mark cards act like 'Towers', are they 'automatically' played immediately or until you 'draw' them? I thought that Mark cards would be permanent boosts to your mark unless they're of different elements.
That's what I thought too. If you need to draw them, then I think the advantage is REALLY minor for something you can only get from first place in a tournament...
Then again, even if they don't match your mark...
If you have 2 upped marks, 2 unupped marks, 2 pillars, 2 towers, 2 upped and 2 unupped pendulums, you are really going to irritate the shit out of a patient earthquaker. =D