In general I agree that there should be settings to do most of the things you asked for in your suggestion list. But additionally I also think most of these settings should be off by default. You don't want to punish new players or make it too hard for them to get into the game. The kind of hardcore playstyle you are asking for is something that a player can choose later when he/she is more experienced with the game and wants a bigger challenge.
But yes, I would love to have things like thirst, harsher winters, a more punishing environment, storm damage, ... I would very likely try to play on such a mode at some point. But please don't burden new players with this
Just my opinion