Let's just focus on this single point here -- footsteps.
I find them way too loud and after playing several hours yesterday I still can't get used to it. the problem is that although they are maybe 10 meters away, it sounds like they are directly behind me or next to me. This has lead me to interrupt an engagement multiple times and check my immediate surroundings only to find out that there is nobody there.
Please tone it a bit down and make it possible to sneak around and less irritating when you hear footsteps.