i think you should go back to the metal ex-pen and get the metal top that goes to it. problem solved
no climbing out and no zippers to undo. And if she finds a way to get the door open you can by clips to lock the door.
I think you said that when you come home and she happens to still be in the crate/pen she is not frantic right? So perhaps being out in the wide open all by herself freaks her out.