Does paying a rune symbol cost (whether specific like CALM or generic) mean recycling a rune, or just exhausting it?

Ruling: When a rune symbol is present as a cost (whether a specific color or generic), it means a power cost and requires recycling a rune, not just exhausting it.

Nuances:

• This applies to both specific rune costs (like CALM on Clockwork Keeper) and generic rune costs (like on Kai'sa Legend or DEFLECT/HIDE abilities)
• Exhausting a rune gives energy, which is different from recycling for power costs