Whoa, there. You are making it a bit overcomplicated for yourself. Let's look at this in a simpler way.
What is the comparative form in English vs. the superlative?
Obviously, with the comparative we are comparing two things. In the superlative form, we are comparing three or more, that notwithstanding, is not necessary for us to get into. But it answers in part your "most" question.
So if we have the comparative form of "more varied," what are we comparing? Note, at the end of the sentence the word "before" is there. So it suggests we are comparing two things, "before" and the present.
Another danger for you, "varied" is an adjective but it is the participle of the verb "vary." Don't confuse that with comparative and superlative forms of adjectives like fast, good, and far.
It doesn't take on that form.
Best of luck to you.