With time modpack will upgrade to perfection. :)
In terms of gameplay, I'm in love with Hardcore mode. It makes everything so much more intense and immersive. Every action I make needs to be informed, and my awareness needs to be top-notch at all times or I risk losing everything in a split-second. However, even in vanilla Minecraft this difficulty doesn't last long at all. Sometimes while you're still in the early-game stages. Even with basic iron armor, the odds of dying to something that should still be absolutely terrifying (i.e. I would poop myself if I saw a zombie irl) are virtually moot. The only thing that could kill you outside of pure stupidity is a melee-range creeper without blocking when you're not at full health... pretty easy to deal with if you have reflexes like me.
Good Game!

