H&H is just to tide us over, I don't mind having a few build pieces and recipes to mess around with if it buys IG time to do Mistlands properly with less fear of losing hype momentum.

I wouldn't worry and I don't buy into the home making/reality show addiction theory for a second.
The game has a serious focus on base and home building to begin with seeing that vital crafting stations require components that can't be teleported and most recipes require agriculture. Foods, gear upgrades and the rested states are all crucial.
It makes contextual as well as gameplay sense and it's been that way since the EA dropped. Building is more than a supplement, it's an integral part of the game.
I know you know this, I'm just reminding you.

It's not an issue of zoomers wanting to nestle and IG feeling compelled to sell out, just view H&H as the bite-sized update it is.
If the next *real* update should lack solid gameplay elements that would be more concerning, but I'll gladly give them the benefit of the doubt till then.