You are still looking at it through upgraded skills though.
You really are not seeing the beginner experience like that.
Skills, more than ever now with this nerf to food, make a big difference.

Not trying to say it is impossible. Just pointing that out.
Having to upgrade your skills before going into the black forest is padding out your time in the meadows.

While most people complained about the time spent over copper they seem like they are adjusting the game progress to match that.