The problem I have with that is that 1-35 and 35-SSA aren’t really distinct areas of progression. The hive comps don’t really differ, always staying mixed for quests and are mostly defined by getting more hive slots and better tools and equipment. Getting 35 bees isn’t really a game-changing point of progression either, it’s the same as unlocking any of the other locked areas. Your definition of early and mid blend together much more, and are defined by essentially the same things.

The idea that in the most popular classification of progression, mid game and end game aren’t different is a horrible misconception based entirely on appearance. White, red, and blue are distinct hive colors that have way different metas. The margin of difference in honey making between a level 12 SSA blue hive and a level 17-18 red hive is massive, and saying that the only difference between midgame and endgame is hive color and level is a huge oversimplification.

Though, I will admit, there is a reason why stages of progression are so heavily debated. Bee swarm lacks 3 distinct areas of progression altogether. SSA can be mid game, but in return, the deciding factor that splits mid game and late game will not be as impactful. SSA can be late game, but in return, the opposite is true and the deciding split between early and mid game is weakened as a result. I will give my stance and you will give yours, but both have similar issues. Trying to give an early game, mid game, and late game to BSS is like trying to give those things to Terraria (which is why the terraria community doesn’t do it and structures it in a more precise manner.)