Stoned Age?

Played Stone Age again this weekend after a year or two hiatus and I sure do enjoy the gameplay.  The die-rolling is loads of fun and the rseource-collecting and buying is fun, too.  Like a very light 'Gric.

HOWEVER (and notice this is a big however), our game with two beginners who caught on really quick took two and a half frigging hours!  This game is TOO long.  I remember posting this in a review on BGG awhile back and people not-so-politely commenting that perhaps we were playing under the influence a of certain drug.  They claimed 30-45 minutes is possible for a game.  Really?  Prove it. 

It's too bad because I really enjoy Stone Age but it's way too light to last as long as a game of Age of Steam.  Anyone else found this?