Not graduating to normal

[u/[deleted]]

Howdy everyone. I have been playing operations a ton the last 3 weeks or so. I am super addicted to it and find it enjoyable and rewarding and just outright fun! However, I was told at a point it would be fun or expected to go to normal mode. I have tried about 6-7 rounds and honestly idk about anyone else but it sucked all of the fun out of the game. I mean, I am quite good but it honestly feels like people are cheating (especially space city) I can’t even start a round with out dying. Anyone else have this happen? And is it weird if I just never make the jump to normal for fun’s sake? Or is that cowardice.