I agree that it is much harder now against FG's. But you know what? This game as a whole has gotten easier. Reason being this forum. This forum has so much info on decks, tactics, how to start, etc. AI3, t50, and halfboods, are pretty much a breeze. FG's are certainly harder but we also have a large collection of FG decks that people can use.
I personally am not against this idea or particularly for this idea. I understand grinding can be a pain but at this time that's really all we have right now. Zanz is continually updating Elements though so i have huge hopes in this game taking the next huge step.