General rule for Larians games, their hardest setting is really just the true normal mode.
Notice how one of features of hardcore is enemy AI going for lowest AC. Well, that's how the AI originally did in EA until the majority complained they couldn't handle it.
There will always be a minority that can handle encounters like Githyanki patrol prior to level 5 with no deaths. From what I seen of the game, I've never been satisfied by any of increased difficulty.
But you're right, stat bloat just makes fights longer in most cases.
