I'd say you reduce the creeper damage if possible. Instead of taking 6-7 hearts up close upon explosion, it should be reduced to 3-4. This still makes it a challenge. Creepers are a devastating final attack. I was jumped by 1 zombie, 1 spider, 1 archer. The zombie knocked me this way, while the spider pushed me another and I was constantly being fired upon by archers. I had armor on and I wasn't worried. But I then heard "Click Sssssssss" When I turned and Boom. I was finished. Lost my items, I was pretty angry.