Someone ranting about this a Castlevania's difficulty in single player?  That's new.   Fans should welcome the refreshing challenge.  

Actually, I enjoyed the single player much more than multiplayer, until I got my characters leveled up enough to compete with everybody else online.  It's not much fun playing multiplayer when you're struggling just to keep up with everybody else.
Even after getting Winged Boots, I rarely use them, and I still manage to catch up with the other players who do use them.   The only chapter that can be cheap with runs is Chapter 4, since Soma players have tricks that let them reach the boss too fast (but it's their choice if they use those super shortcuts.  
Some people I played with are more generous and take the normal routes to get there.  Even they understand haste makes waste and rushers get bored faster than anyone else.  Chapter 3 can also be pretty short, but depends on the route the players take and their power.  But overall, the Chapter 3 boss doesn't go down as easily as Chapter 4 boss can.  And if you try to beat Chapter 3 boss with brand new characters, even with a full team, it's one of the most epic moments!  

 ) 
Multiplayer has countless exciting moments and teaming possibilities that is absent in single player. 
Both modes have their strengths but to me multiplayer is what really elevates the fun factor and replay value, especially with good friends!   

Like any multiplayer online, having good friends enhances the fun.  If you only play with randoms and don't keep in touch with the ones you met that are good team players, then your gaming experience will continue to be random and somewhat hollow in some cases. 
Persephone ftwclassic moments   
