I don't think that's what they're going for. We've had checkpoints implemented since the SNES days and I see no reason to get rid of them now - though it should be noted that this is what is done on the Trickster Comet challenges.
I don't care about the game being difficult. Mario Galaxy's difficulty was just about perfect for my first playthrough. I just want it to be fun, and I want to experience it.
I play Ninja Gaiden and God Hand for difficulty - I play Mario because I like running and jumping.







