I love how generic your complaints are. Especially the combat argument - do you realize combat is fine how it is? You could make it 'better' by making it a centralized focus. AKA take away focus from the base game, which was what Minecraft had been about for some time.
The AI is much improved, especially in the latest update. Changing it based on difficulty doesn't seem like something this game needs.
You definitely can not explore a majority of the content in 1 hour - even with cheaty things, it would take some time.
What serious abuse? Flint and steel?
They also added silverfish stone generating the same way as ores, something you'll find the hard way. Not everything needs to be in-your-face. You stumble upon these things, the same as any story.
The difficulty is being mindful and intelligent, which comes through experience.
Modding is simple since they support someone who simplifies the process for everyone.
I am half asleep, by the way, so whatever you respond to this... Ya... You just keep saying that... Keep going... Whatever... I'll sober up off my sleepiness later.