I do feel, the article and discussion isn't doing Stardew Valley justice. I do think SdV for example portray's an adult world compared to the infantilized creations of Nintendo. Also the complex interlocking systems, for example how big the mine areas are etc, is very deep and satisfying to figure out. Even the people of SdV aren't just plastic figures, they have a semblance to real people, as much as could be achieved in a game.
I would go as far as to argue that Factorio is my Animal Crossing. For your average, casual player, Animal Crossing provides rote tasks that engages you with the game world without the added complexity. Factorio, SdV, and AC all ultimately provide 'relaxation.'
I love AC, but I have other itches that need scratches.
There is value in it being cute and all, it's escapism. At the point where your escapism looks closer to your reality says a lot about how terrible your reality is, and perhaps becomes something of a replacement of that reality.
I've played more than a 100 hours of Stardew and I feel you're being overly generous. None of the systems are particularly complex (Civ has more complex interlocking systems), the mines and combat is relatively barebones (compared to something like Terraria) and the dialogue is above average, not the maximum that could be achieved (you could look at Divinity 2 to see dialogue done right).
What it does do well is an incredible level of polish in the production side of the game and giving the player a real and fulfilling sense of progression.
