Who Thought Adding Difficulty Levels To Instanced Quests Was A Good Idea?

[SDaemon]

I would prefer everything being more challenging.
Not difficult per se, just challenging.

Nerfing Steps of Faith was the first of many downfalls from this ideal situation of mine.

Why do you say that Steps of Faith was the first? SE had nerfed plenty of content prior to Steps of Faith to make things more accessible to those not up for the challenge.

What was nerfed there, specifically?

In 2.57 these changes were made. Keep in mind Steps of Faith was released in 2.55

Vishap's maximum HP has been reduced.
The maximum HP of all enemies that spawn has been reduced.
Damage dealt by certain enemies has been reduced.
Damage dealt by Vishap's underfoot attack has been reduced.
Damage dealt by Bertha cannons upon exploding has been reduced.