I think your main needs can best be addressed with more Exps
Famous last words! YES YES and YES, more exps are always needed.
the larger the Footprint the better. You need to get investments up a pace
While the quickest way of obtaining exps (which also gives INNO income) is to buy diamonds. However, to obtain them yourself (free to play) requires at least a year to comfortably complete GE4 or GvG. Some players get a level 80 arc in just 3 months for max 1.9 thread fp and medal rewards, but this is exceptional, not the norm IMO.
Participating in 1.9 threads really works but noobs don't have enough fps to take the top spots which is why having a city with a strong production of goods or a strong army is required to plough through GE4 or get the best rewards from GVG.
Camping at the end of your age lets you build up FP's but you don't benefit from the stronger armies you get when increasing your age. As you say its best to play FOE the way that suits your personal style, there is no need to rush.
the new generation of EBs arrived
Yes EB's like the governor's villa are better and more space-efficient than most GB's but can be less upgradable in the long run.
Finding a good guild or building a helpful FL takes time with lots of things to consider, there is a lot more to FOE than initially meets the eye.