Valheim is not really anything like Rust or 7 Days. Those are far more combative/PvP oriented.

ARK and Conan exiles come closest. I actually didn't find ARK all that engaging but I am really enjoying Valheim.

Valheim is Alpha whereas ARK/Rust/7 Days/Conan have been out for years. 7 Days hasn't added much over the years.

Now, do I want Valheim to have more monsters/better AI/more stuff to build&craft/more ocean content/etc., of course. You make a sorta similar point, but this is kinda obvious point.

V Rising just released in Alpha state and has more interesting combat than Valheim, IMO. Since you like Rust and 7 Days, maybe it will be more to your liking. I like it so far but it is ALPHA, it does have some lacking areas.

===> all in all, not sure what to think about this latest trend towards 'working alphas'. On one hand they play well and it is nice to get in and try/play; it is also a nice way to support indy studios. On the other hand, doesn't seem to speed up development, in fact in some causes it seems to slow it down. A double edged sword.