I was discussing this game with my wife, and we came to the conclusion that the research track IS the game. The Lost Ruins are the ruins in the research track. As you progress through the track, you go deeper and deeper in hopes to uncover whatever lies deep within the ruins (spoiler: it's victory points). The map shows different spots in the island where you can explore to gather resources, which are guarded by powerful guardians. As the rounds go by, the number of artifacts available in the market increases, and item cards decreases. That's because as you go deeper down the ruins, you uncover more artifacts, but getting help from the outside world becomes more difficult. Or maybe the real ruins of Arnak were the friends we made along the way

My group loves Arnak.

I believe you have cause and effect backwards. It is not being first or second on the trackthat predicts winning, but rather better play and winning that predicts being first and second on the track. I will often barely move in the first round or two unless the resources land that way or that happens to be the best opportunity available, because it allows me to snag something first. Choosing the best new cards to add to your deck and having idols available I.e. creating an engine is more valuable.