The mod has had difficulty increased slightly over time yes. Couple things that might help is to "avoid" all hostiles until you have several bamboo spears to "throw"...also, make your first camp temporary and right near your spawn area...and remember...you can climb several of the trees and larger rocks to escape hostiles. Throw them spears from a safe location. Avoid bowman for the first 2 weeks! Or until you can make iron spears or iron arrows.
There really are to many variables and scenarios to make only 1 plan ALWAYS work, to get your self at a self-sustaining level. You might take several losses before you figure out exactly whats most important, given the actual resources and terrain your dealt, when you start a new game.
That IS what I love most about The Survivalist...every time you start a new game, it is not the same as the last.
Most of the strategy in the beginning is avoiding hostiles, once they "see" you, you have little chance to live. So do not go "inrange" of bowman...as for other hostiles, climbing a big rock or tree can give you the time to stop and think, and look around for an escape route. Only RUN when you have to escape!
thank you for posting! Good luck!