I don't go after "insane" mode from the start. I prefer whatever is the normal, challenging setting. I'll only crank it up over the top after I've beaten the game on normal/challenging setting.

I'll only back it down if I'm new to the game/genre and it just isn't working for me - just to learn the ropes if it's a game completely out of my comfort zone/experience. Then, when I've learned the system I continue with the original game.

That's what I liked so much about Metal Gear Solid on playstation. They had VR missions to prep you for the (then complex) control system and situational stealth strategy.

Better games do a great job of walking you through the control system and strategies, feeding you what you need before things get really hairy. So, I don't really recall dropping to easy but only a handful of times, and not for very long when I did.

I found Last of Us to be pretty doggone difficult as-is. I don't think I could ever beat it on the highest level (so little inventory.) I assume you can only finish it on the highest level if you avoid most enemies and take out only those you absolutely must.

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