That rng node on ?-7 (or Event 2-3) is annoying, yes. If your first team to arrive at that node doesn't turn towards the lower boss then it's a miss. But it helps to put all squads in the lower two tents and leave the top one empty. Eventually, they'll get to the top tent anyway, but you'll gather more gold and seeds along the way.
Still have to start on ?-8/E2-4. First I'll wait for stamina and raid points to get back up.