I think the update is in progress. I got kicked out with a notice that said. "working on an update" in it.

I think with dead minions you're stealing their broken weapons. That's where the wood comes from. As for grass, I don't understand it either but if it's grain they shouldn't add blood toward upgrades.

They are displayed on a map so even if they're randomized they can still be found easily.

What about monsters being weaker but travelling in hoards? You could take them out with a bow but try not to let them get close?

Fishing sounds like a great idea.

What about different mercenary tribes that have different skills and costs. You could hire mercenaries from any tribe but once you do you could only hire from that tribe and unhired members of that specific tribe wouldn't attack you anymore.

Deer could be faster and give more meat while wolves could attack or be tamed.

I agree that building would be harder but that's why you have bigger islands in the center. Maybe you could also expand the size of islands with certain upgrades.