The reason that Arthur suggested a population of 10 is that the honey and fruit trees will fully support a tribe that size, with a little food to spare (without mushroom hunting).
That works!!
I kept my population down to 9 and set one to farmer and the rest to researching..
I woke up this morning and not only were my little guys still alive (for the first time LOL) they are thriving!!
Thanks everyone for the help!