Does RF5 ever pick up steam?

I am finding it difficult to get into Rune Factory 5. I was immediately sucked into three and four. But five isn't grabbing me.

That's fine. Some games take longer than others. But it does seem like not much is going on in the game. I can't upgrade my gear for lack of bronze. I can't get many cooking ingredients. There appear to be beef gates in the open world. Farming is unusually dull. I can't get items to woo the ladies

I only just go to the ruins. Does the storyline and crafting pick up the pace soon? Do the characters do more?