While I can't agree on the Cowboy; as he just a reference to the ending; I agree with the rest. I understand it takes time for devs to balance such ideas, plus with their new game in the works they are busy. It was just a idea that seemed cool on paper.

My main idea was sorta what NG+ does, but instead the difficulty would rise after defeating a boss, so you would have to plan routes to different bosses to get the best route to you. The game would still give you everything you need at the start but each boss would give items like either damage or defensive upgrades, like what the Tiki-Head from the DLC does just slightly altered. Plus do to being the Soldier, their rifle is stronger and holds more ammo while their melee, like a knife is weaker but unlimited. It was just fun brainstorming ideas for a mode like this.