Yeah I mostly agree with you. Except there was plot and lore in 2016, it was just minimalist as you said, but more importantly it was executed really well. It had the "doom" feel. In addition to awesome gameplay and soundtrack.
Eternal was great for the gameplay, and even an improvement in some ways. The lore and plot was ridiculous though. Way overdone, didn't feel like doom.
I say go back to 2016 style with the gameplay improvements of eternal.
I guess maybe if the extreme overwork overtime is a means to an end by getting money, retire early, get experience to find a more reasonable job... I guess maybe some can justify it. Maybe. There's probably some who feel forced due to desperate circumstances.