I have to disagree about 'makes the game harder' Vultures are not a bit dangerous and die in 1 shot and mostly 1 hit/2 hit. They are my main source for feathers because they come in a good way and i shoot them out of the sky with the bow. Sure, a rifle, pistol or something like that may be more helpful but you can aim and done.
Sadly the vultures dont add anything into the game for me personally but well, they are there as well as leatherxp and foodxp (dogs and wolves). I would see feathers, leatherxp and foodxp as temporary additions to build on. We have to wait what the devs will do at the end with them.
May the seventh day be in your favor.