I've played guys right from Helgen to level 75 on Master.
Yes plenty time-consuming!
But instead of trying the new Legendary difficulty, I'm now roleplaying more...
I don't wear armor or carry a shield, and I'm trying not to use my bow so much (instead using Destruction).
But that one's tough - I'm very good with my bow. /tongue.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':tongue:' />
I have kept it on Master difficulty though... which is plenty tough when RPing a Mage.