Purple Side Elder Lizard XP

Hello,

I have played about 5 games now, and when starting with the Elder Lizard (Red) on the purple side, it takes all three of them, plus another monster or 2 to gain a level. Whereas on the blue side, it only takes the big lizard and one small one to gain a level.

Disadvantage to purple start for sure.

Anyone else notice this? Is this on purpose for some reason?