I see the 40 dollars version as more of a "donation". But, one that, eventually, does make it worth it.
I've just stuck with the 5 dollar version, I'm sure eventually it will be more when added all up...but ah well. I can afford 5 dollars, a lot more often, than spending 40 dollars at once. And the guy making it gets more money, over time anyway.
As for the game. There are "cheats" so to speak...more like balancing issues. Pick up two tubs. Trade for two sheep. Never go hungry again. I did this just to see, and it did lose a lot of the point of survival. But the only person that can be blamed for that really, is me
it isn't like its an online game or anything.
My next game, I'll be avoiding using sheep and living 100% off the land. Well, I'll probably need to trade for some things. I really like islands in games...so I almost always trade for a punt+paddle right away, and swim to the furthest island I can find. Then it is islands survival game
Since one particular area has TONS of islands all around.
As for the graphics. The game has a couple mods on the forums that upgrades them. And there are quite a few other mods...one mod lets you craft fishing nets out of various materials. But it takes quite a lot. I think I edited it to require 20 stone or something (along with the other materials it needs), so it is a bit more balanced.