i just installed the CC1.75 and start a new game in hard mode. but everything is easier since my laborer can collect wild food without gathering hut, and i have more time to build houses and woodcutter for the winter time
yes and no. at the start the gathering tools do help collect food, but it ties up the workers. later that takes them away from exanding and clearing land.as your town grows,there is less food since some of it will be buildings. you could add a mod that increases the food needs and make it harder too.or try the adam and eve and micro manage for several years.