Honestly, real. I've also played since the 360 and PS3 days (which I honestly miss), but I was like four when I started playing... So, I don't remember it too well.
I agree with everything you've said, but the Addition of the end.
The End was set up to be the Main end goal, which gave the older versions an overall real purpose. It just hasn't evolved with the game.
The End should remain as ONE of the main goals, but it shouldn't be the ONLY goal. It should be a Mile marker in your journey. You should be able to get more AFTER you fight the dragon, not just The Dragon Egg, Shulkers, and Elytras. Modern Mojang just doesn't get that. A game shouldn't focus only on its new players; it should add more for its old players who have already beat the game.
If that makes any sense...
