A lot of people hate the Path of Exile Labyrinth system
The mod that gives a unique is very rare. Not only that, but chances are extremely high that the unique will be complete garbage. Random unique item from a prophecy or coward's Trial. Even less valuable than a Jack in the Box set.
These new essences are interesting, although ultimately seem quite disappointing. Looks like you could now craft caster swords or caster bows. Probably not much reason to do so though, even CoC probably wouldn't be worth it when wands and daggers are available instead.
These essences will seemingly mess with the economy more than ever though. Free chaos orbs that also give a guaranteed T1 mod? crazay!!!! If people can farm 1 per area that would mean every area you do is like a free 5 chaos or whatever these will be worth. I couldn't really see it worth less than 5 chaos, but then again if the supply is high enough it would have to compress. It will make chaos a less stable or at least less-valuable currency, and instead people will rely more on fusing or exalted.
Also, why do you say that maps are hard to get? I don't find it hard. If it's hard to get maps it would be due to having a weak character. It's just not possible to sustain the most difficult maps over and over again in succession, and that's intentional. You think that it should be possible?
Why would a new act do anything? Acts are just additional content, not end-game.

Jun
[3.11] PoE Harvest Duelist Starter Endgame Builds
Here is the latest PoE 3.11 Harvest Duelist Starter Endgame Builds - Champion, Gladiator and Slayer. Whether you like cheap, fast mapping, or boss killer, you can find the build you want.

Dec
Shapers orbs are permanent like bandit rewards
Can you use multiple shapers orb on the same map? i.e. Tier 1 to 11 with 2 shaped orbs.

Dec
Mods that affect Chaos Inoculation more than Life
If you're a caster using an elemental skill, find a way to convert the damage to chaos. Lightning > Voltaxic, Fire > Consuming Dark, Cold -> Pyre -> Chaos with consuming darks

May
POE Incursion: A Primer on Vaalish History
Incursion league is very close to us now, so I'd like to share some Vaalish history, and I think you guys would be interested in it. It's no doubt that Vaalish History is important in Path of Exile 3.3 update, it's the core part of next league.

Oct
Path of Exile Patch 2.4.0h Updated
Enabled the microtransactions from the Darkness Path of Exile Mystery Box: The Gloom Armour Set, the Obsidian Seraph Armour Set, the Gloom Wings and Gloom Herald Skill Effect can now be purchased

Jan
A lot of people will try to defend Path of Exile as not beeing P2W
As for me, I feel Grinding Gear Games is one of the few companies out there who deserve the extra money they get with their free to play model. They do a really good job of providing updates and new content on a regular basis