I thought the same thing but then I started playing on PVP servers. It forced me to be much more creative because you have to make sure everything is hidden, setting up hidden bases, passages and traps is tons of fun. Especially when you are being chased, setup some good pits in dark hallways and splat.. just make sure you remember where they are or else you will fall victim to your own defenses!
I hope they implement some sort of reinforced wall block in the future, something that takes a decent amount of time to break unless you are using diamond tools. That would make structures more permanent.
Yeah. It's hard to get started because you constantly get killed and your stuff will be taken but once you setup your first hidden base and some hidden chests it gets easier.
There are a lot of things that need to be tweaked and changed but it's still fun for me and will only get better.