Adding different difficulty modes would not work. The challenge of the game is what defines it, therefore its not for everyone.
I'm expecting good things from Dark Souls 2 (I have faith in From), hopefully the game is released this year. I know that may be wishful thinking but considering that Demon's Souls came out in 2009 and then 2 years later in 2011 Dark Souls came out then a (late) 2013 release doesn't seem unreasonable.