Fishing is easier, but still bloody annoying.
I've actually found the CC somewhat easier, infact I unlocked the minecart lastnight and I've NEVER unlocked anything from the CC before

I need just 1 more item for the quarry. I'm fairly close to unlocking the Greenhouse and once Winter is over I'll be throwing money in to the Vault again.
Yeah I feel skills are easier now. I'm level 8 in mining and level 6 in farming. Year 1 isn't even over for me yet, I'm in Winter on day 17. I also have a big barn, I never had one of those! And I have goats... I've gotten as far as owning ONE cow in the past. I was so glad when I got my second cow XD