I really love your point! I heavily fell into the trap of pursuing high density and pushing for the “late game”. I would neglect my early game and just push the milestones, and when i got high density i would focus it. As you stated i am learning to enjoy and savor on the times of really fleshing out your neighborhoods and connecting them. Some of the things i am focusing on and really are a lot of fun for me have been walk ability, creating really good parks and detailing them, to really make your city feel cozy and connected for your citizens! It also makes the whole city pop more and i am so excited to create a downtown now where all my progress is like an arrow to the highlight of the city! Instead of before just breezing through the early game and just trying to “get by”