The alternative to nerfing would be to strengthen the playerbase. Teach people how to play better; encourage people to do their best and try to get better, instead of keeping the mindset of "we don't wipe, so its okay".

But nerfing is easier, of course.

As it stands, I think the players who like the game's challenge and who take the game (and their time) more seriously need better ways to find each other. The game's supposed to be fun, but in the devs' efforts to make it more fun for the people who aren't as capable or willing, they're stepping on the toes of the people who are. And if I go by forums and complaints ingame, the two camps often don't have fun playing with each other.