Post-Nether progression pit

The main reason why I find myself having trouble playing Minecraft is because of a massive lull in the progression. When you start a new game in survival mode your goals are usually as follows:

1) Get food

2) Get shelter

3) Get coal and Iron

4) Get Diamond equipment

5) Go to the Nether

The thing is, after you've made it to the Nether, there isn't really any clear and obtainable goal. Sure, you could go for the End portal, but it takes so incredibly long and feels like an unobtainable goal. This progression lull needs to be fixed. Sure, once you reach the Nether you're gameplay options expand immensely, but for players like me that prefer a more structured, linear campaign, the lack of a more palpable goal to work towards makes it more difficult for me to keep playing.

So I propose that a more linear path be made for progression. Perhaps, a resource obtained in the Nether can be used to access the underwater palace. Or maybe a new dimension (Like the Aether, which in turn can get you a key to the End). While I do completely support the work being made to expand the late game (Abandoned Mineshafts, the Wither, Town raids, etc.) the core progression of the late game needs to be re-evaluated.