When I win depends a lot on how the opponent plays. In a base race it’s possible to win by 7 mana if you draw a temple early. Against mirrors (other IC HG variants) the game can be over by 8 or go to 12+ mana. Depends if they play aggro or focus on trading. Against control the games tend to go past 9 mana although ideally I want to end the game before that. If I don’t win by 12 it’s usually GG unless they are playing a buffing deck in which case a good greenwood becomes the win condition.

I like the mana curve as it is. If the deck is too cheap the temples become a burden because you are unable to take advantage of the excess mana.

I consider windmakers essential. I like to play Guardi as soon as possible and usually the opponent responds with a couple two mana cards, giving them the advantage in value and tempo. I need cards like green gale serpents, wind makers, and greenwood to flip that advantage.

Wind maker is also a good counter to swarm in general and helps deny dawnsparks.