Yeah, I haven’t played Rimworld since the original alpha release (was a kickstarter backer but just haven’t had time) but the main thing I remember about it was the constant rebuilding.
The new alpha today does seem almost surprisingly on-point to that concern.
I’ve posted before about the need for a “knockout” state for hearthlings ( Combat needs a knockout state ) and I still stand by that analysis. So I agree with you there. Mostly because hearthlings level up so much and so much gets invested in them that they aren’t disposable.
Cover mechanics might not be necessary; pathing mechanics and destructible terrain could be enough, esp. if goblins started carrying seige ladders.