Whelp, thanks for all the advice, but I think I'm already done.  I hit 30, thought I was ready to retire, realized I had to be 31.  According to my stat page I have to gain the XP equal to all previous levels combined (or some really absurd number).  Since I can't seem to hang onto anything over x1 multiplier I'm, currently looking at about 50 hours of time, just so I can retire and start all over.  That's about 100 hours a generation, that's just insane!  I've sunk about 35 hours so far and have little to show for it.
I understand wanting progression, but I've played MMOs more forgiving than this.  If I have to sit through all this 14 more times, well, I can find a better use for the time.  Best of lick to the rest of you, but the barrier of entry is just a bit high.