The point of Valheim is to explore and enjoy the open world, building bases and taking as much or as little time as you like. Gathering raw materials is just the excuse. It's not even about vanquishing the Vanir.

Anyone who is unable or unwilling to appreciate the scenery, or thinks the only thing that matters is killing all of the bosses is playing the wrong game. If you really hate scenery, you can cut the time you are forced to endure it by good planning. Better still, there are games like Monster Hunter

Which said, the obvious long range goal has to be to load every biome with as great a variety of plants and beasties and poi as possible. For those who can appreciate it. The rest will only ever see the grind.