The vast majority are saying "No" to easy mode. From the responses, I gather it is some form of elitism; that this is a game only 'hardcore' people can beat, and it elevates them as some kind of elite player of the video game world by beating it.
Honestly, if it opens more cash flows into FROM I don't see an issue. I love this game so much, that I want to give FROM every chance at making a 3rd installment. Making a work of art, or having a statement is great, but unless it gets enough players to make it profitable to the point of making another game, that's not good enough.
So, because I think it would open up more revenue streams into the game, and give a better chance at a trilogy, I am all for it. I can still play my hard as heck game, and still get the same PvP. What do I care if someone had an easier time? As the Wii sales show, there are many, many casual gamers, and I don't think I'm 'better' than them because they don't devote as many hours to a video game as I do.
So can people give a measured, well reasoned response as to why a no easy mode? Looking forward to it!