Simple reason imo, the early game was easy too easy.
Despite the synopsis saying it's intended to be brutal it's actually pretty casual.
Sure there was a learning curve, but eat the right food, get the right buffs and equip the right gear for the task is rpg basics. Especially for survival games.
Out side of that just using the dodge and parry systems allowed you to cake walk most of the game.

Now there is a new biome with strong enemies and a biome environment that greatly reduces your sight. Less aware players as well as ones that got used to the difficulty curve are too complacent.

They want their easy mode back.