I played the game on Normal mode only.
As for "why should a game be decently easy"
Reading through your issue I think these consecutive thoughts of yours answer what you need to do. Don't play normal and expect easy. Play Easy and expect Easy. Like taking candy from a baby.
I agree easy should be easy. But don't try to water down these rare gems, it is part of why they are sought after. Tons of quick to get into, easy tablet RPG's "and cheap to!".
