I also feel like progression between players will vary greatly between the different tabs. 1) spend red gems 2) RNG of treasures, cards and events. I for example got a huge unexpected boost a while back with a tier 2 fully upgraded veggie gain treasure from the merchant. Just I was starting my long journey towards the next crop needing veggies. Unexpectedly more than trippling my veggie gain (at that time) and subsequently immensly speeding up my farm game.
Which is to say, progress between players can and will vary sometimes dramatically. Though this isn't a bad thing and still player driven. I would like the rng to be a bit more predictable though. Just tell me what I will get when I purchase something (hint: I do that anyway with a little savescum scrying). Just saying what you get next doesnt fundamentally change the game and adds a layer of strategy.