Le Havre: shipping rush vs slow engine — what wins

Finally got Le Havre to table after buying it in a trade bundle like two years ago (yes it’s on the shelf of shame wall of fame).

I tried the slow build-smithy-line dream and got steamrolled by someone who just shoved steel and ships into the ocean like a capitalist pirate. Scores weren’t close.

Is shipping-first actually the beginner trap that wins anyway, or did I just mis-time loans and food? I felt constantly one franc short of relevance.

Also how do you teach the loan system without people’s eyes rolling back — I explained interest three times and someone still said ‘so it’s free money right.’