I was managed a great fortress, then I hit 85 people and BAM!
No food almost instantly where I had just had tons, my farm wasn't functioning yet, people were dying in the halls, and dying hauling their friends to the refuse pile. Babbling dwarves were everywhere, driven insane by the lack of food. Then, three goblin ambushes were sprung at once. I ordered everyone in, shut the gate, and half my population died immediately.
I'm back down to 7 dwarves, so it's like starting with a really good fortress. Damn.