The comparisons are fair because the game is being criticized for things that aren't exclusive to its entry. No one's trying to derail your thread.

Anyways, the enemies get harder the further into the game you get, as pretty much any game in existence. Least they did from my existence. I remember getting my ass kicked on Mt. Nibel on the playthrough I didn't grind because everyone and their mother kept insisting you didn't have to.

And when all else fails there are still the super bosses to give you your money's worth.