I've got a Hardcore suggestion for you.

How about after Patch 1.21 when all the Battle Reforms, Jobs, Class Adjustments, Beastman Strongholds, Escort Quests, Grand Company Quests, Hamlet Defenses, Quest Hubs and all the various UI enhancements are all in place...you delete/wipe your character and start all over.

Then you could truly tell us if the game is Easy-Mode or not.