frame of reference matters,
from the center of the sun or galactic core they all most certainly moved the same distance in the same amount of time and it was much further than the hill was tall.
Where I see the model flounder is; the hill provides the fitness context. You implied distance "means" more evolved, but for life it is all about making it to the next round, in your marble game how many of those furthest marbles will ever be found for the next round?
With life big changes are dangerous, you may find yourself improved out of options.