If you go to the menu now, it would seem there are other options now. You got "Normal" which I assume is standard difficulty. And you have Easy (which makes things, well, easier). "Story" mode looks like the easiest one. You do 60% more damage and opponents give you 60% less damage in fights using the Story mode.
So if you can't get past fights in Normal difficulty, try the Story settting. Though I still find a way to lose in that mode occasionally.
So if you can't get past fights in Normal difficulty, try the Story settting. Though I still find a way to lose in that mode occasionally.