I kind of agree with Lillith above -- but also that alot of the game is pretty easy to find the "optimal" method that makes things a breeze. But, some of it ultimately has to come down to player agency and willingly making the decision to not do things in the most optimal manner or method, or even choosing to play subobtimally. Especially in a game like this, I don't think there is a way they can give the "uber challenge" that some players want from everything, while still making it playable, enjoyable, and beatable to players OTHER than that small subset at the same time (it's a waste of resources, in my opinion, to make a mode specifically and only for a small portion of players to be able to enjoy). Some player agency I can think of from your examples and posts I saw ---
You mentioned running the Urchin background -- this could be for RP; but judging from your party composition, I assume it is to give your PC "Sleight of Hand" proficiency without having to take a Rogue. Maybe accept the struggle of not having a proficient lockpicker by choosing not to have a rogue-type in your party?
You mentioned using Sleet Storm on Thisbold -- perhaps don't prepare an AOE concentration-breaker/ice field as one of your spells? You created an environmental effect targeting a lower save on the target you were fighting in that regard - in a game that heavily rewards environmental effects and surfaces.
You mentioned using Protection from Good/Evil when preparing to go against the Hag -- try running the fight without that spell (as I've always personally done)?
You may not be using the absolute "Strongest optimal" party or choices - but from the way you've described some things you are playing with a level of meta-gaming and optimacy that goes beyond what Honour Mode was really designed to be.
It's not really meant to be "Tactician+" -- it's kind of the step-child; a Balanced mode with some new mechanics and difficulty adjustments that restricts you to not being able to save scum out of bad RNG.
