Some game limitations seem too artificial

[texter]

in Penumbra. You had the means to swing a pickaxe, and because of that, loads of players thought you were supposed to kill the monsters instead of trying to hide from them.

Well, you can effectively demostrate the futility of attack. For example, the moment you swing your weapon at the monster, he lashes at you with double speed\strength, rendering you defenceless and down on the floor. Probably Penumbra didn't properly show the player the non-necessity to fight.

Heard from my friends that it's possible to throw objects at the creatures, such as a barrel.
It will make them stumble but won't effectively kill them. Surely that counts for something right?

Ok, why throwing a barrel or a chair is an option while swinging it is not?

Still the main inconsistency for me in this game is not being able to carry candles and torches, while you CAN carry this super-oil-hungry lantern. By the way, a lit match is also a source of light. Very short lived too.