The character creation will return in the future, they didn't removed it. Also the game is in Beta version, so you can note the stuff that you may not like and send some feedback to the developers. They are reading everything.

Umm, this is beta. You need to calm down for sure. You do realize that the implementations they have given us so far have been different every time right? They are testing out how all kinds of different things work. You signed up for an Early Access, and are mad that there are changes happening? They are currently giving you act 1, in BETA form. Calm down yo, lots of changes are probably still coming, and all your gear and characters will be wiped. It's a beta. I am loving the game so far.

It's a beta version of the game, and this is a whole new content update which has a lot of writing gone into it. They're a small team, and with the amount they've done in this update it would be insane if they hadn't messed something minor like this up. Which is why they need feedback and not angry complaints.

As for the character customization, it will most likely return in a future update and probably in a better and more fletched out way. Give them your ideas for a new and improved system instead.