I also agree with OP but :
I don't think they have to turn OFF explodings barrels, but they have to tone it down.
About rest something has to be done but I'm not sure being able to long rest only when you're in a few location is a good solution.
About fast travel, it's important to be able to "fast travel", but there are more immersive ways to deal with it... These random MMORPG TP just sucks atm.
About items, I don't think it's necessary to have less items... But it's necessary to have MORE +1 items and MORE meaningfull items. Actually the magical items are not really interresting exept a few of them.
