I think your opponent really nailed the slow rule in that second battle, it's an interesting point that you can just ignore it as you did and still win! Mind you, gifting him an extra reduction in speed with that Ooze is probably one to avoid! That can be quite hard as at least two other 1 point cards add swiftness!
I know what you mean with those no rule sets, I find them a bit irritating, they're too formulaic. I've also discovered Earth recently, as the other option, water, tends not to have shields. I use the same old cards mate, although I don't have a decent Giant or Swamp Thing, I think you've got the best possible selections there.
Come to think of it, maybe it's worth risking your opponent playing ranged and putting something up front with very high shields - one of the dragons has that, and decent damage.... Risky though.
Thanks for checking it out. Ya I could have done better in that one for sure that ooze was a mistake. Sometimes you can win if you have the right team.