You are likely correct. I haven't really examined the piece moves that closely, particularly their promoted values. If they are better at ranging, I could be in more trouble.

And I'll say that with Tori Shogi, the ability to double up on pawns was a devastating ability I realized, particularly in such close quarters. I could defend a weak piece with another weak piece, but in such cramped conditions I could guard useful squares, making them potent for drops such as my ultimate mating drop. I don't know how much that strategy would work on such a wide board with such short-range pieces, but as you pointed out, they will be able to drop soon.

VW-6a