Thanks for the feedback. Currently the UI health, stamina etc. are only in the inventory menu, but warning icons pop up when any meter is low. This was done intentionally to make a minimalist UI like The Long Dark which is why you can also hide the quests too if you want to play in "screenshot" mode. I may add an option to remove the cross-hair (dot). However, I realize lots of people like to have the UI elements always on screen also, so I plan to make it a toggle. I just haven't implemented it yet :D. I will put it into the next update.
The Bamboo is in big patches around the map. You don't need a tool to get it, you just pick it up. I'll figure out a way to make this more obvious to new players.
I'm not sure why you couldn't get out of the water. Maybe the shore was too steep? I'll look into it but the swimming mechanics are very much a work in progress. One of the first things I'm going to add is the ability to stay above the surface while swimming. Currently you kind of bob up and down. Swim animation (bare handed) and an oxygen meter are coming soon too. If you could give me more info on where you were and what buttons you were pressing when you were having trouble getting out of the water that would be awesome, and see if it is reproducible when you get out of the water and go back in.
Punching is definitely being implemented sooner or later.
Setting up a Discord is a great idea. I will look into it soon. Can't wait for the stream, I hope to catch it or watch a recording. What is your twitch name or do you stream on youtube?
Make sure to get the latest update before you stream. The first Alpha update 1.01 went live last night. I'm not sure yet if the itch.io app automatically updates the game for you or if you have to click the "check for updates" button.
Thanks again and I hope you have fun testing Windstone and am looking forward to more feedback.
I also forgot to address the equip bar hotkeys. Currently I will have to completely remake the equip bar system from the ground up to allow custom equip bar slot dropping. I plan on doing it but it will take quite a bit of time. It will not be a priority until other more urgent things are dealt with unless there is a majority of requests from players to do so.