Looks like this thread is turning into a Salem vs H&H discussion, and that's alright with me.

Honestly I love Salem. It literally felt like the first time I played H&H. I like that hollow logs can be used as a container as well as chopped for blocks of woods and I like that I can lift up boulders and haul them back to my little squatter's camp. Food is a lot easier to find and craft and I like how studying inspirational items is fast at the beginning and gradually takes more time the higher your skills go.
I'm keeping myself from reading the wiki so it feels good to find something and be like, "Whoa an indian feather. I can't do anything with it but I bet its important, better throw it in a log!"
In summary, Salem to me has become Haven & Hearth 2.0. If you're coming into it straight from H&H you can appreciate the changes in how everything works but even if you're brand new to the game it's not completely overwhelming to a beginner. My score: 5/5
The unfed mind devours itself. - Gore Vidal