I've noticed the same thing in Dom1 MP. When I started working on Pan I used some more expensive pretenders like Molochs/Princes of Death. After couple o' MPs I had moved into simple Fountain designs (namely Fountain of Blood w/ 4blood, 2air, 2water for the big demons with huge emphasis on scales).
I can also see the trend continue Even with reduced scale effects, every single bit of income is going to help since patrolling is no longer possible. Growth +3 might not seem too big of an issue with the initially low economy boost, but I find it's going to be an issue in the longer run.
I've played the demo for couple o' days now (mostly with Machaka, love them) and with the increased importance of Astral magic I've really found no other way but to have a cheap 4astral fountain with good scales and good dominion. Albeit going for astral 4 was mainly to get +1mr for the Black Hunters
. Not worth it in any way but just felt like it, gets me some important summons (like guaranteed Air magic in the form of The Harbringder).
I _could_ consider going for earth 9 with some races (Wardens of Man and Heart Companions of Arco) and hope to cast some of the higher end stuff in the end (Army of Lead/Army of Gold, for example) but it's still unlikely to be worth it in the long run.
-Mikko Heikkilä