My friend, you are.... absolutely correct. I beat it after 17 tries or so but only because I knew the game well. Early on there are a lot of cheap shots and near the last 1/3 of the game there are a few more.
Unless you've played the game before and you use somewhat cheesy tactics (like splitting one of your mains in the back), you are NOT likely to beat it on honor mode the first try through, sorry.
