Endgame and Build Scaling/ Damage Scaling/Crafting feels bad

First off, I just want to say I really appreciate GGG and what they are attempting to do with this game. I also realize this game is still in early access. However, since we've been offered a platform to give feedback, allow me to stand on my soapbox for a minute.

The game has good bones. The three things I think could use improvement are the endgame loop, crafting, and build scaling/damage scaling specifically in the endgame. I know that GGG wants to create more meaningful gameplay and to slow things down with POE2. This definitely makes combat feel more rewarding and I get that, I really enjoy the challenge and difficulty level, but I think there's a balance that needs to be made. If a player has invested enough time in the game perfecting their build and spending hours in planners or software like Path of Building, and hundreds of hours in-game acquiring gear and leveling, there should be a point where they should feel they have acquired great power. Acquiring this power however is usually made possible by finding a "broken build" during a new league, and I don't think that should be the only option. Personally, I want to feel powerful in a build that I've carefully curated myself, and there's no room for creativity when there's only a handful of "broken builds" that can have that power. Additionally, while trying to squeeze the most out of your build you also have to account for item rarity modifiers. Which is probably a whole different topic, but I think if players want to put in the time and effort then they should be rewarded with the fire of the gods.

Lastly, I do not come here empty handed and to criticize without any solutions. I would propose some sort of system in the endgame maybe requiring a 90+ level character that allows you to acquire a new level of power, and it should be difficult. Maybe there's another boss or bosses above the pinnacle bosses or some kind of other challenge that you can do to acquire shards of an item or something similar that increase the power of skill/spirit/support gems, allow you to add another support socket, or boost power weapons/armor/jewelry beyond their normal power cap. Something to this effect could add more content to the endgame and reward players for all the time they invest.

Personally, I think I am going to take a break from the game and see if things change. I'll check back in on the game in a while after some more patches. Maybe even when there's a new league, we'll see.