Gameplay Modes Imbalanced?

It seems that the game resources and access are exactly the same in singleplayer, friends, and multiplayer?

If this is the case then it will always be most advantageous to play singleplayer over friends, and friends over multiplayer because you will not have to compete or share resources with other players. In other words, it appears the game is designed in a way that encourages people to not play together, which is a really bad idea for an online game.

Is there any game design difference between the modes? I don't notice any.

 

Really? But then it would allow people to farm in "friends" mode. And then flow the multiplayer economy with their stuff. It will be better if the game restrict the resources than can be gather in, or imported from, "friends" mode.