Just played it again today and I recall that your adventurers didn't heal between caves. You might want to add that to Hard mode at least.
I was so young when I played this I don’t recall that detail.
I like the idea non the less so I think I will make that change. After all it’s the hard mode.
Hello published v 1.2.0 added the not healing to very hard mode. Also just thickened the water rendering to make rivers seam more substantial.