I'm just as confused as you are. I don't remember the game being too hard even without cheesing.
Decided to play it again and yeah it not that hard.
Maybe its the nuances people cant figure out...hmm...
Well heres some tips for thoes who need it?:
* You earn no XP from dying. Do not die.
* XP does not overflow, any xp gained is used for 1 level and all other XP is wasted. Do not go on killing sprees.
* Throw the girls, they are the best weapon in the game.
* There is no loss to returning home repeatidly to cash in xp and upgrade.
* Upgrade sword asap, your damage boosts all damage output including thrown girls/barrels.
* The guys in stripes are gold pinyatas, focus them.
* As much as the game says to attack everything, dont. Its a waste of time and just add to danger.
* Copper=1 silver=5 gold=20
* I think healing from food is % based so get more levels for more hp/survivability.
* d to tackle.
* You can hit enemies who are on the floor. Youre a goblin, fight dirty.
* The third hit in your combo leaves you open, dont spam it.
Hope this helps.