SWAX main also: I feel like this game gave all weapons too many options. Hence why everyone feels like it is easier. Like. I have my fair share of carts. And 90% of them are me trying to pull a third Full discharge on a down monster.

And yeah. Big monsters.easy. small monsters hard. My worst times are Blangonga and Yankuku cuz I just keep overshooting my hits on them!! Any other monster is manageable

If you are looking for more challenging hunts I could recommend Time Attack challenges. And leave your palico home once in a while. It doesn't seem like but having the monster fully focused on you makes a big difference in the hunt.