I watched a few streams. What surprises me is that players playing as Gurun/Krag/Dess upgrade goblins on day 1. And not based on the situation, but as a standard – they don't even look at the map, they just upgrade goblins and rush. What if there's a ranged unit block? It's unclear...

In my opinion, the disadvantage in starting power compared to Tyraxor/Gremlin should be compensated by the number of units – immediately upgrade to Rukh, get bears as quickly as possible, with the goal of finishing the first week in the 1-7 castle. If, of course, the resources allow.

Well, that's the standard, considering that upgrading goblins is necessary to build wolves. In HotA, there are almost always around 20 wolves, so upgrading them is necessary – the attack power is completely different. It will be difficult to take gnomes, ghosts, and others with 3 Rukh and regular units. I even upgrade goblins in WoTA on day 1, if there is no urgent need to break through something. Plus, there are 130 extra mana points – not much, but it's a plus in the long run. Also, it should be taken into account that the Barbarian has not many buildings, so it's hard to save a day by not upgrading goblins.