What is the main obstacle/concern keeping players from playing hardcore.

Yes, it is dying and consequently leveling new builds. You have made this processes into such a shit experience.

The current state of this process is so unbelievably boring that I have decided, after 2,4k hours, to uninstall. It's just not worth it to try new things. That we have to suddenly talk to helena or redo fedelitas really shows how out of touch you are. How smart is this when the npc is before the boss, and you have to back-track to talk to helena. This specific npc is even hidden behind bushes when you go in. What I mean is that this shows that noting will change soon.

By not removing cruel and not considering the leveling process you have taken this game from an inspiring, mind challenging and fun experience; into a wank in syrup.

Just saying