Steep angle does not necessarily mean the game is harder to play IMO. Look at those PAPA videos, there is very little lateral ball movement meaning the ball's path is more predictable overall. Of course the game plays faster, but the increased gravity also changes how the ball reacts after hitting rubbers objects. I think there is a good balance in there somewhere.
I'm also really considering this game and love the theme, but the last stream of Jack playing appeared like he was chopping wood. To be fair, he's a great player, so most of his videos are like this lol. Maybe it's the fan layout, which still seems an odd choice coming from Dennis and his track record.