[2021] Exp for trap kills

To my knowledge it's fully intentional. If you want the exp you need to be an active participant and getting the kills, Otherwise fully automatic zombie grinders where one stuffs 20 forges into a building, turns them all on, and watches as the many screamers and their hordes come running to die a trap filled death would be the be-all end-all experience gaining solution that gets you massive quantities of exp just for being somewhat near to the trap house.

We've had this discussion so many times now it isn't even funny.

No, you aren't going to get experience for not doing anything.
It is intended to be that way, and is not likely to change.

The big thing is, that, by being 'so good at base building', you're not gaining any experience to just stand around; You as a person do not improve by sitting there doing nothing. You dont get better at a task without doing a task.

If anything, the trap itself should gain exp; But not you the player.. You built the machines so that you didnt have to do the work, Now you're not the one doing the work so you dont get the benefits of doing the work.

Edit: and yes, Perhaps it may seem a bit 'punishing' to do things, But, You're putting in the effort and while you lose in exp, you gain in protection and reassurance. Once you set up your traps and your base, you can mine with impunity, craft with no fear, pick off zombies from afar from your tower, all without EVER putting yourself in harms way.

"If you want more reward, you expose yourself ot more danger" is just as much a common thing among gaming as "the better you are, the better reward you recieve".

In this case, the reward you recieve is better; EXP with no danger to yourself, no potential loss of items, no expenditure except ammo and repair materials. As opposed to someone who is out hunting zombies actively, spending medical supplies, bandages, antibiotics, food buffs, etc. It's still a great reward; Just one that doesnt give you as much exp as other options because it already provides other benefits. The reward is different; Not lesser.

Edit 2: Oh, an regarding better armor and weapons; You're still getting hit, you're still attacking things, Improving your ability to tolerate pain, stay on your feet, your ability to aim, your knowledge of where to hit, when an enemy is down for the count, and more; Gaining experience. So, it makes sense that you don't 'lose exp' when upgrading your gear, you're performing the same tasks with better items, not cutting the tasks out of what you have to do entirely.