If TW2 receives a little more Polishing to a few gameplay aspects (I hate when I cast a sign but Geralt sometimes just stands there doing nothing even with a full vigor bar!) and other minor technical difficulties... it might be a very good bet.

TBH I don't know whats all the fuss about the game being difficult. I started my 1st playthrough on hard and I'm on chapter 1 already, and have yet to find a situation where I have to run away in frustration.

Granted, I just finished playing the witcher 1 with the difficulty mod on isnane, thats like a training camp :)
I'm already used to "hit and roll" and use alchemy and magic.

The traps actually make the game easier, I find myself carrying 10-14 traps at any given time.
snare/bomb/igni slash/slahs and roll away.

The learning curve for me has been about the same as any other cRPG. There is so much to take in, from mechanics, to lore, to equipment, that it really takes me a full run to move past normal on any game.

TW2 is unique in that death comes quickly and swiftly when certain things are neglected. In a sense, it is merciful that way. It is very clear when you are doing it wrong.

If you are struggling with normal, or even easy, these were my duh moments:

1. Hits from behind do 200% damage. You can mitigate this with Position ability. And, you will get better at avoiding getting surrounded the more you play.

2. Quen isn't just for a free block. It removes harmful effects!

3. Critical Effects Mutagens are the Quen of stat boosting. They are way more valuable that any other type. (Debatable, sure. Butt fits hit-and-run combat really well.)

There are many other very good tips here and throughout the forums. Those three realizations made the biggest difference for me so far. (Getting through a full game, seeing all the loots, scenery and basic story soothed my brain too.)

To be honest I don't like it when games use dungeons and dragons rules too much. Example of this would be Elder Scrolls III Morrowind, I wanted to like the game but I hated it because the way it played. ES Oblivion came I loved the way it played and looked. First Witcher came around I loved the game and the combat since it was mix between the two. Second Witcher came around I love it even more.

But then again everyone has their own taste on games, I am just glad Witcher 2 turned out the way it is with the combat.