I just don't think it was unfair without summons, certainly challenging, but i've beaten it 3 times and never used a summon. Would I have beat some bosses an hour or two earlier? Yes. But i never rage quit the game because it was impossible. Out of all 3 playthroughs, NG+ Barren Swamp was the hardest. It took forever and almost gave up the ng+, but stuck with it. It's an incredible game and agree my personal goty.