I enjoyed most of the DLC, I think I came in at level 160-70ish with a straightforward strength build, so I started feeling really strong when I got some shadow fragments. I tried to be thorough, and ended up finding all but 3 before looking up the map and they were all on hidden paths that I missed. I ended powering through most bosses, so I can't pass judgement on them. I died to Rellana like twice. I thought there was some really cool or even just funny equipment out there, when my seamless coop buddies reach the lamenter I think we'll have a fun time with the transformation. Verdigris armor is the first super heavy tier that isn't atrociously ugly. The great sword from crossbow guy became my main weapon. Heavy Backhand Blades ended up being really powerful, I used them on Radahn and Melania in base game.
Radahn is atrocious, not fun for reasons everyone knows. I did have an easier time with top tier defensive talismans, which I had to go back to base game to get the Dragon Greatshield Talisman, but this does not fix the fight.
I went through most of the DLC not meeting the things I disliked about the base game, like big bears as normal enemies, until I suddenly did. I am always annoyed by FromSoft npc quests as well, the lack of ability to reload sucks when you accidentally kill a forager or are unsure about a choice or miss some obscure content. I killed Messmer first try, and the Hornsent's summon sign doesn't show up the first time.
Oh so easy mode? (I did pure strength, arguably even more one-note idk I don't keep up with what builds really work well or not)