I'm really confused by this.

We already have abilities to increase HQ chance (Master of Rock/Timber/Sea).
We already have abilities to increase chance to get logs, or whatever item we are targeting in the notch. (Truth of Mountains, Field Mastery)
We have abilities to locate nodes of every grade.

Distance between nodes is fine, from my PoV.
At times you can setup an awesome triangle, and not have to run more then 50 yalms to each node, and other times, yes you will have to hike a distance, but if it's to far, boom, now you get a run speed increase. (which they reduced the cool down on)

For optimal traingle formation consider the following:
-Use off hand nodes for quick/static points. These do not move, so keep their location in mind, and when nodes are close, use them for a quick harvesting point.
-Any point of the triangle can be from any of the 6 node based harvesting types.
-You do not need to complete a node to move onto a more desirable node/loot table. If you do not complete a node however, you will need a 4th point, or fishing body of water, to close the last point, before you can return to your first.

The only time you should be seeing SP under 100 on success are at ranks, 15-17/25-27/35-37/44-50.
Since you didn't link your account, I'm gonna assume you are likely R26-27. This is when the SP per rank really starts to increase, and when SP per success is lower. You're maybe R35, and it definitely can be frustrating at that point as well, but just remember, it only gets worse after R40. hahahaha >.>