You must've never actually played beta, dozens of mechanics were removed!
There's no more Blacklisting, Strengthen/Weaken, Boons, Swap, Armor, Reveal/Conceal, CA Spies, Weather Synergy, Truce, Ambush Bamboozle, Duel (only Seltkirk left!), and Crewman.
Because there are less tutors, tags matter way less. In fact, Skellige Clans are completely gone, also NR country decks like Temerians too.
There's almost no cards that let you choose from multiple options in HC, like old Ceallach and Silver mages.
On top of all the core mechanic changes (like Mulligans, Draw Count, Hand limit, Leaders, Rows, No Silver Cards) how can anyone even say this is the same game? Personally i think they should bring all these back, the game feels way too simple without all these mechanics and abilities that felt essential for strategies. I think they should bring back beloved abilities like Trio, Quen, and Demote while they are at it.