I agree, it was a really hard season compared to the last 2 seasons. I think this is because the number of players has dropped again, so it is more competitive. I am not sure if the ghost card bot teams have started yet.
I think you are right about Warden, I only got him as a token card really, he could be useful with double splinter and 2 attack, but I wont max him out probably, it was too expensive.