The game isn't hard to level up, there are numerous no-issue, fast grinding spots. It doesn't take hours to level, it takes going to a quick position, swinging your weapon a few times, and then leveling up.

The lack of a difficulty option is a good thing, it prevents elitism and allows the game to be properly balanced without resorting to artificial difficulty increases like blanket damage changes.

All in all, I don't see what your issue is. Are you arguing that ER shouldn't have leveling at the pace the player chooses, and instead increases in level based on what area you have unlocked, or something?