I'm glad you found it relaxing on current Normal mode.
Hold notes having better distinction is coming, and I'm trying something to do with clumping of notes.
As for early timing, that could be because calibration in beginning of game, it adjusts when note should be pressed to fit the game and if you did it wrong - may mess up a bit. Maybe it's worth to try calibrate again, as you got better grip on game after playing it? Calibration can be done in Settings again.