Wide, not tall
Progress should open different kinds of capability instead of sending every veteran toward one approved number. A dedicated crafter, explorer, collector, or specialist should have reasons to keep learning and people who value what they can do.
The current build only proves the beginning of that idea. It includes early gathering and profession work, vendors, equipment, and trade foundations; the broader economy remains future development.
Depth at the right pace
New players should be able to begin without studying a manual. More demanding choices can appear as a character grows and the player has real questions to answer.
That balance—approachable first steps, lasting room to tinker—is one of the main things we want playtests to help us find.