I don't think it is nearly as terrible as everyone is making it out to be.
The first time I played that chapter, it was a bit depressing. I had started Elvenar because it looked so beautiful and mystical. The Fairies chapter was a visual joy, and then all of a sudden, everything started changing to these ugly, boney, poopy buildings! Ick, ick, ick!
The only up side was that getting to Woodelves was like being thrown a life preserver when you are drowning. I was so happy to have something lovely again.
My second city, I was not dreading O&G nearly so much. I knew what to expect, so the visual element was not so unsettling. I also was able to enjoy the hilarious storyline that you get through the quests. My advice is definitely to pay attention to that, as it is quite amusing. By this second time through, I had Portal Profits (which did not exist on my first foray through that chapter), and I had a better grasp of efficiencies.
I suffered from "building sentimentality" in my first city, and was loathe to raze all my culture buildings that I had worked so hard for. Now I know that one must accept change to move forward (though the advent of RRs has also made this lesson less salient--in fact, they make it harder for people to let go of things).
While looking ahead and planning can be very helpful at times, I would advise not to let it stress you out. If you are not in a terrible rush (and who needs to be in this game? It is meant to be slow), then allow yourself some room for error and learning organically.
The advice above is very good. Lots of Mushroom farms, get one Rally Point going after a bit, but wait until near the end to build more.