I had no problem finishing the game on an ME Beastfighter with 20 or less To the whole way through. They aren't that bad.
As for satiation, if it is now normal, that's probably a bug (haven't tried p8 yet). They are definitely supposed to hunger less than other races.
gate closers: GeWi GnMo(unarmed) DeAs/Pa/Mi(staves)/Ra GePr DrBb HrMo | p7: MeBf | p17: GnPr | p20: DrDu GnAs DeCk MeWp OrBf GnTh MeHe | R57: MeDu | R101: DrAs (26,674 turns) GnDu (26,748) DrAs (18,533)
ULE: HeRa — OCG: DeMi
currently speedrunning DrAs.