I once saw a video by TheMisterEpic about how Minecraft has certainly gotten easier after Beta 1.8, although he attributes it to something changing in the design scheme. While early Minecraft focused pretty heavily on the survival aspect, on just staying alive, more recent updates have moved away from that and more towards the goal of creation, where the challenge is gathering what you need to create great things. This is likely the main reason of more aesthetic blocks for variety, as well as a new tier for armor to better protect builders (although honestly, the main thing threatening the Hermits would be falling and Grian, and elytra seem to help the former pretty well).
That said, if you need a new game, you could always try Terraria. It focuses less on building (which is a little ironic considering that they have way more blocks as well as new ways to tweak them) and more on progressing through bigger and bigger challenges. Not quite survival, but there is the greater risk and adrenaline rush that Minecraft has lacked. GOG has it on sale for about $5 if you have any extra pocket change lying around.
