I don't disagree with your points Lima there very well put mate. And I would also certainly have less housing,livestock fences etc,if it meant greater Fps gains.(If it's things like these that cause any drops). Decent size formations I agree are a big yes in Phase 1 of WOTR,and at seems apparent that there's "Something" that's eating into the CPU.
What I will say is this..POL and Winding Man know this code like the back of their hands,if Anyone can squeeze extra juice out of it it's them pair..And hopefully their both working on performance improvements,fingers crossed guys.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.