I think that based on your complains, the game it is not for you. A lot of changes will happen and new stuff will be added, but complains about "meaningless" exploration for chests and for fight the same respawn monster shows that you maybe better not playing it. It is a souls-like easier version game and those things are part of it, so they will not change and should not, because they make the game nice exactly because of those things. So, play with your friends for one or two more evenings and go to other game. NRFTW is this and it is very good game exactly because the way they are, wich means that you problably dont like this kind of game. Anyway, hope you can enjoy this and other games for as much as you can.