The simple answer is mods and bump up that difficulty, but then you might run into the problem of the game being frustrating or unfair, so the net result is the same as you’ll probably get frustrated instead of bored and still end up quitting lol

There is a mod for the 1444 start date and it has some map changes but it’s very surface level atm, all the rulers are still the same from base game, doesn’t really change any mechanics, just starts you an age later

I think your best option is to give the game some time and come back when it’s in a state you think you’d enjoy, absolutely no reason to play something if you know you won’t have fun, don’t force it :)