These are the top 3 players in my world, the only players so far over 100 million ranking points, that have no idea how to play the game... apparently.
The #1 player in our world has well over 100 Watchfires, around 25 Ritual Flames, the Saint Basil's Cathedral at level 10, and he even has the Monastery. He also has the Tower of Babel at level 10. He doesn't have a single Terrace Farm.
The #2 player has over 75 Watchfires as well as several Ritual Flames and also has the Saint Basil's Cathedral at level 10, plus a Drummer School. He also has 8 Tribal Squares and also has not a single Terrace Farm.
The #3 player has over 150 Watchfires, at least 20 Ritual Flames, a level 8 Saint Basil's Cathedral, 2 Drummer Schools, and just 2 Terrace Farms.
There are many ways to build a thriving town. Many of the more "successful" players believe in having a defense... and in at least the top few cases of my world, a very substantial one. If having a 0% defense works for you, that's great. This is clearly not the answer for everyone and is not required to "succeed" in this game.