The problem with psychology is that far too many people rely on precedent over factual discovery. There are some people who still believe in duality even though that's clearly rubbish by this point.
A challenging game is not a hallmark of good game design either.
Clearly, Zelda didn't set out to be a difficult game, it set out to convey a sense of adventure and wonder. It had nothing to do with difficulty, that was just a by-product of it being one of the first examples of its kind.
Is a movie good because it is difficult to understand? Or a novel? Or a painting?
I don't know where gamers got this shit from.
I need this in my life.