I disagree. This made the game very uninviting and overly difficult for someone who has not played in years.

And with that I say what I always say in these situations. Why not both.

Why not an easy mode with 1/2 the mechanics and less punishment for failure for those of us still getting the hang of things. Also some of us learn differently and find different things rewarding and frustrating.

I do not feel accomplishment or joy completing these dungeons. I feel anger that I had to deal with them at this level so soon. And fear the next dungeon or encounter will be a wall that ends my ability to progress at all.

I do not want to take away from other's enjoyment of the game at all. So I see no reason why a different mode can't exist for both MSQ progression and learning. Give me less XP, less rewards, whatever. Maybe also add something so I can see future mechanics and some sort of feedback about how I would have done IF I was in a more difficult mode.

Again it feels like a win win. Story focused players get easy mode. And those of use who learn differently and find enjoyment different from other players win as well.