You lost me at XP. The beauty of this game is strategy to overcome obstacles your skills as a player will increase as you play naturally and from trying things experimenting with ideas is what is appealing not a number to determine player rank. Freedom is what makes this game unique and we all want it to stay that way
I believe if you are skilled enough to sneak right up behind someone one should be rewarded with a execution or severe damage to near death status. if you hit a major artery knives will end you The hunting knife should be given some serious attention as a viable weapon and tool in the standalone a few variations would be nice.
Wolves ,Stray Dogs, Tom Cats and yes Bears it adds that risk factor to hiding out in the forests and naturally in a world without government this is all completely possible.