While I do agree that Pilgrim definitely worked on much needed improvements, like the additional checkpoints to open it up to a broader range of players, the challenge log to give the content more shelf life, or even the visuals inside that are a lot less stuffy and claustrophobic, I do indeed think the gameplay formula needs a shake up. Things that notably would benefit from improvement:

- More randomness on rooms, some could be L shaped 3 tiles, some could be squares of 4 tiles, some corridors of 2-5 tiles, etc, for example. More variety on elevation as well.

- Introducing an actual system of progression per run other than leveling. Any respectable rogue lite has a power level progression curve that usually feels satisfying to go through because of all the crazy combos one can potentially get, and they're different every run. Right now, deep dungeons only allow the player to progress through the first 20 floors by leveling over 10 job levels and after that there is nothing more, which is extremely underwhelming. Make the deep dungeon drop powerups, special random perks, some common, some unusual or rare. Those could for example work a bit like logograms or lost actions - Imagine looting Reflect, Spikes, or wild stuff like a mid recast Barrage ability, or even just perks that allow you to heal a little as a non healer! Offer the possibility for matched parties to have a need/greed system on those if needed.

- Introducing QoL like a bestiary that players would fill progressively as soon as they see an enemy cast something. I think it would be a much needed UI improvement that players could consult at will during a run before engaging an enemy they forgot everything about. Opening the wiki on a second screen no more.

- More aggro types, like blood based aggro. Perhaps some dungeon mechanics that when used/chosen would change the type of monsters you'd get in certain rooms.

- More environmental hazards that can both damage or enfeeble the party and enemies alike. Pools of lavas you can push them in, geysers, gusts of wind, etc.