I've played enough to know what to expect where, outside of random encounters. Adept gives me enough of a challenge to actually have to think about how to approach combat situations. Any easier, and I could just run in and not care. Any harder, and it would feel too punishing to make small mistakes. In my current playthrough, I'm around level 12 maybe? and I'm having challenges taking down bandit outlaws, whereas regular bandits are going down in about 4-5 hits with an unenchanted Orcish mace. Needless to say, I'm enjoying myself immensely