I currently have 489 pts with 3 nests (lots of water dragons), 2 flowers, continually questing etc. I am just focusing on food production and battling. Without divine, i.e. S8, interventionI will probably (most likely) not make it. Hoarding my gold for habitats and for possible gold producing dragons.
And just for the record: I don't like the path this game is taking either. It seems like the fun is slowly vaporizing with every new event. Someone mentioned earlier that there are small changes being made, designed to be imperceptible. Well, we are noticing them. S8, please don't insult our intelligence by trying to sneak those money grabbing tactics by us. If you are going to be greedy, at least be honest and open about it.