I think I should emphasize that I am not criticizing the lack of challenge, I am criticizing the lack of creativity and the lack of fresh mechanics.

I am not expecting a challenge from Normal. I am expecting something new - something that wows me or makes me think: Hmm, this is interesting. Like the first time I saw Gnawing Dread in Rabanastre or the first time I saw Rake in Ridorana (the spinning version of the mechanic).