Yes, As a POE player with multiple level 100's, I can see both sides. However, this game takes all of the good of Grim Dawn, and PoE, and combines them. I dont think it makes it less 'complex'. It just makes it easier to understand.
Understanding is a huge problem in PoE. Even explaining the difference between 'more' and 'increased' to people in PoE causes a lot of grief. There are a LOT of hidden things you just dont understand. Hell, someone built an entire seperate program just to see what a change will do (Path of Building). Its insane how complex PoE is.
Also, the crafting system in LE is the best I've ever seen in a game. Its...incredible. I'm not even sure they can improve on this system. There are literally no drawbacks I've found. It mixes the right amount of 'it works' with 'oh I got lucky' that it never feels bad. Items on the ground are always worth something, at least to look at.
And the loot filter...again, its just amazing. Its simple to understand, and complex enough you can get it to do anything you want.
The more I play this game (I'm on my 4th character for experimentation) the better it gets. Its highly ready for release in my opinion, and more than worth the $45.