We thought it was mostly fair. Nobody really expected both a failed perception check and a critical hit, and it made for some amusing moments when I was the only one to notice the ambushing goblins during the later short rest.

Hey, if it works, it works seventh level does tend to get bigger and crazier. In my opinion, there's no such thing as too many ideas in one campaign as long as the players have a bit of freedom in which of those ideas they want to flesh out.

I've really been hoping to DM at some point. I really have some bigger stories I'd like to tell. I just don't think I'd ever feel properly prepared for it.