Well I've gotten a little further into the game. I have to play in hour long sessions or less, so mind you I am still just getting started in chapter 1. Somehow the game got easier again - the difficulty curve in this game is so weird. I'm still playing on "Normal" difficulty, but have no trouble dispatching Nekkers and Endregas now. For better or worse, this current trajectory of the difficulty curve is very satisfying, and I find that I'm really starting to enjoy the game now! I'm sure it's going to land me on my arse again eventually, but until then....