I'm primarily a RP person, well, I do get a Seraph at start but I'm fond of that race. Other than that I mostly use Halfkins as created characters. Otherwise I've been using unique characters. I'm not inclined to try to get though fire dungeons in the first few days, but I don't find the early game too difficult. I do keep my roster below 10 until I get through the election arc. The game could be more difficult and I'd still enjoy it. The primary difficulty I find is getting enough of the more exotic materials. An argument for early fire dungeons, I suppose.