Most of our energy spreads are intercommodity and frequently use multiple legs - like butterflies and condors. Really a very, very profitable strategy for us with futures. And stupidly cheap to carry overnight. Initial SPAN margin credits are at least 80 % and are typically over 90 %. Best futures leverage going by far. There is SO MUCH MORE to spread trading than gets mentioned in ET. Especially with energy. Energy is a really competent spread trader's wet dream. Get much more complex with your spread construction and look further out in the curve. Money.
Energy spread trading is not good for everyone. It is actually boring most of the days since the daily movements can be small. It is only good for the disciplined folks. You make a killing or lose your shirt on the few special days (we all know what those days are). On the other hand, outright position is more exciting. The ATR for CL seems to be at $1.65 range. You can make some quick $ everyday if you are able to call the direction correctly.
If you need excitement and a dopamine rush, then by all means daytrade CL outrights. Most of my clients are experienced scalpers who seem exhausted by the emotional toll all of that "excitement" extracts from their souls, and so they come to me seeking more consistent returns. If you're doing this for a living, day in and day out, the "excitement" takes a real emotional toll. Some very experienced outright traders might conclude that for them at least that the excitement does not pay as well as a better behaved and easier to model trading instrument that you can lever the piss out of with such favorable SPAN initial margin credits.
Good traders can make $$ in any market they desire and good at. You just have to figure it out. I'm not s scalper. That is hard and tiring for me. The trading costs will certainly eat into any profit you may have. You can be easily whipsawed in a choppy day. I do spreads for mid to long terms. And do outright during the day. I try to capture like 40 to 50 cents, or any profit I can get. But I rarely do more than 2 round trips a day. I can carry a small position overnight, as long I control the position. Leave plenty room with margins and control the stops.