Larian: classic mode is overall fine. Help new users in Explorer mode if that is required.
Explorer and Classic mode are how tough the actual math and tactics are.
To lock "Direction" behind the easiest mode and telling people who actually are good at tactics but who JUST bought the game to play on Explorer mode is immediately telling that there is something wrong with the game.
I think the latest version's journal outright tells you to escape from the Prison... Though it still doesn't REALLY give a reason why. You are just supposed to sort of want to.