Even if it is getting more characteristics found in many rpgs, I wouldn't say its a terribly bad thing.
More options such as weapons and stuff are never a bad thing, they only give the player more option. The main action is still a team FPS and far from being an rpg.
I liked playing RE4 when it came out, because its game design was pretty innovative.
However, from what i've seen and heard, RE5 does look pretty lack luster, so I can't be too excited about the news.
In regards to the OP, easy difficulty can be pretty challenging if you don't know most of you character's specials, supers, and ultras. Also, you have to know how to use your basic normals pretty well in combination to those. Its best to start off the game as "easiest" mode, because you'll find...