I played DF before Rimworld came out, never really got into it as this was before it came with a UI. Gotten back into DF the past couple of weeks and am really enjoying it. Definitely a learning curve though.

DF feel a bit better now I’ve given it some time. My only issues with it is stuff like you’ve mentioned, weird defaults. The dorfs eating seeds is one, the default game state FPS makes the game feel way too fast, the default population cap is pretty full on for beginners too. Changing both of those made it far more manageable. That and using nothing but work orders when you get the means. There a a lot of solid videos for newer players, DF you’ll need them for all the finicky things.

Playing Rimworld does makes me miss the Z levels every time though. Rimworld feels like you get a bit more breathing room and can do your own thing quicker. DF I usually take a year or two just to get my colony stable.