Yep. Difficulty modes- I guess nothing is guaranteed, but that's extremely likely to happen with 1.0

And I like consequences to using the powers.
I have no problems with players choosing to use the powers to avoid fights, start fights, solve puzzles etc. Player agency is the way.

I'm also ok with a choice at the end act 1/ start act 2 where we have a meaningful choice about removing/ changing the tadpoles or not. And that choice opens up diff quests/ pathways for act 2 and 3.