I don't find it harder, or at least much harder, since I use the standard settings (research included). Then again, I don't turtle, I aggressively expand, pound on research heavily, and keep plenty of sensor buoys out. Even if they have a tech edge on you, if you can catch them where you want them (ambush) you can come out ahead.
I like the more natural build up that a conventional start gives you. No rush to spend 80K research and 43K BP just to start. If you play with civilians on, you can make an early move to colonize the moon even before you have TN tech, this gets the ball rolling quickly. Unlike a TN start, you discover what you need as you go along and tend not to waste as much research on unnecessary things.
My 2c worth anyhow