Feedback after reaching tier 3 maps + 3rd ascendancy

As background, I have 4000 hours in PoE1 and I really like the game.

Feedback:

Act1: you learn game is very different.
Act2: you learn the game is very difficult.
Act3: you learn the game is very tedious due to massive dead-end zones.
Cruel 1-3: much faster, much simpler after suffering through a2-3

Biggest issues:
Loot - nowhere to be found. Also I need to improve on management during acts especially for transmuting + auging items. However this also means that any base that doesn't hit the transmute is now ruined and you have to find a new base. Rare items that drop don't seem to be any better than in PoE1 - yet they're far more scarce.

Resetting zones on death & destroying loot - amplifies the feeling of being stuck/making no progress

Maps - give me 6 portals


AMAZING THINGS:
Stunning game. All art is top quality. All audio is top quality.
Socket system.
Combat feels good.

Overall, I believe this game will be better than poe1 but it's not there yet and needs a bit of work! Well done all!

how did you get third ascendancy? im in tier 4 maps and still cant figure it out