Maybe I've played BG2 too many times, but for me this was a no-brainer. You could read the steam reviews from early access as well, and the prediction should have been pretty easy. People were already impressed with the early campaign.
Personally I'm putting off buying BG3 because I know how addictive it'll be.
I like to read the negative reviews on Steam to help talk myself out of purchases. I usually find something convincing, the urge passes, and I spend more time doing something with a longer-lasting benefit (for who I an now, anyway). I thought for so long that I'd never quit gaming, but it served its purpose, I try not to regret it as wasted time (gaming gave me an easy sense of purpose, without which I might have joined a cult or become an alcoholic like my dad), and I try not to rain on anyone's parade.
I will say, combat is pretty challenging. I think it has to be, since the save and reload mechanic exists; otherwise the encounters would need to be toned down. However, it's challenging in a way that doesn't feel unfair. It gives me the same feeling as when I played through Hollow Knight - the game is challenging, I mess up a lot, but I never feel like the difficulty is "artificial" (e.g., HP or enemy count has some multiplier applied). The combat is always challenging in ways that require strategy, planning, and skill.... and wishing you'd made different choices in the past :)