Finally got the time to play on easy mode. I would say this is vastly more fair and in-line with the difficulty of the rest of normal mode. What I would have expected it to be like. I would make the game boot in easy (as the new normal) by default, yes. I think making normal into "hard" will absolutely temper the expectations of players that is a great idea! Right now the default difficulty feels like an EX boss. Haha!
I am happy to provide detailed feedback. I study game design and theory, and what's the point of studying if I don't share the knowledge? This game is one of the top ones in the jam I am sure of it. Not trying to critique to be mean, just want to share the understanding I have. I wish thee the greatest of luck in the jam! ( I am still pleased to play a mute character. They may talk a little in the end that I didn't see before, but appreciation is still there! )