I'm loving the game however it's as if they're trying to pack three kinds of games into one Dark And Darker Gold.

That's what I'm referring to. Could make the whole thing a Coinflip (as it is if your decision to go there, it's entirely due to luck)

Also Circle is a realy good way to introduce gear burn . Otherwise, there would be very little (any AI that you get in a fight while already accumulating loot isn't going to take your life on its own)

This makes the quicker pace possible (something that i actually like especially when i must accomplish a lot to work on and then only manage to play a bit)

If they are able to keep the ring and the consuming is removed, then you can remove it as the circle. Theres no reason not to be in a position to tank it, if you're on the healing. It's not a BR as the collapsing zone causes fights and with more players pushing into an event (now 18) there's fewer opportunities to all.

The circle allows for faster pace, which makes the game more exciting. There are times you are consumed by darkness when you're the last player standing. This is because a portal is either too far away or you're not aware that there's one. i've died quite a few instances where i've been consumed by the darkness with a bag full of loot and yeah, sure, i was furious for a short time but then "play again" was clicked, and i'm returning to the game.
If you want to learn more about Dark And Darker,please vist https://www.mmoexp.com/dark-and-darker/gold.html