Barbs didn't used to be automatically generated. Back in worlds 8 and 10, for example, you had to really fight, every potential farm was a player who wanted to survive. It wasn't a question of "do I have enough barbs in my area?", but a question of "do I have ANY barbs in my area?". HQ rush was much less of an option, early rams and cats were often essential to survival.
There are more ways to start a world than 1 1 1, start pumping our spears. If you've got loads of barbs nearby, then this is by far the easiest and fastest way to get ahead. Takes a little more analysis and consideration when you have fewer barbs, and when other players do too. But of course the easy way should be the only way, right? :icon_rolleyes:
If you ask for a world tailored towards good players, don't cry when you get it :icon_wink:
^^ personal opinion btw lol