I am getting the game this weekend, and I just have a quick question about the difficulty levels. I was planning on going for hard, but it sounds like this game is harder then the other difficulties, and I am rethinking that choice.

My question is mainly for those that have chosen the hard difficulty- is it balanced? That is- is the game more challenging in a "good" way, or are you having to resort to more gamey tactics, such has jumping up to inaccessible locations so deathclaws can't get you, exploiting raider AI, etc.?

I would love a challenge, but if I have to resort to what amounts as essentially exploiting certain things to survive, then I'll stick to normal.

I'd recommend the "hard' difficulty. It's hard for the right reasons (though it might not feel that way if you've stumbled into an area that's suited for a higher level or greater preperation). It's possible to take down enemies with a few good hits without a scratch, but casually skipping in the middle of a horde of mutant abominations or leisurely listing towards a raider's grenade will get you killed. Even the lesser enemies can do some damage, if they take you unaware.

I did first two aborted playthrough on normal - up to about 7-8 hour mark in each

3rd run on hard, and this is playthrough will stick with for first finish of game.
Yes - easily noticable progression in difficult but not huge. Mobs are not bullet sponges like survival is advertised to be but not as easy to down as normal, and your char is bit less tanky.

Sounds like hard is what you are looking for, noticable but not punishing.

I actually turned up the difficulty, which is something I usually never do as I never find it enjoyable in a Bethesda game. However, this time around I started it on hard. And I feel its just the right spot to play because it makes everything reasonable. Human enemies can die fairly quick, but can deal pretty good damage in return that makes it not so easy. An enemy like a Mirelurk has a shell as hard as a stone wall and cannot be penetrated, yet can be killed quickly through their critical spot. Enemies like a mole rat and feral ghoul can be killed easily enough, but being swarmed can easily lead to death. It's a difficulty that makes enemy encounters manageable enough, but still ask that you play carefully.

Don't be scared by the difficulty too early on when you see you're taking a lot of damage. Play it smart with the enemy and manage your supplies well, and you'll get used to it soon enough.