Bear in mind, that making Pontifex 2 very difficult to start with might deter new users (those unfortunate enough not to have played Pontifex), and thus I think as example levels it is a good intro.
No doubt the hard mode on release will probably be a lot more difficult in later levels.
If you think back to Pontifex, and the first competitions, most users were pretty surprised at different techniques used to cut the budget spending to a minimum.
In short, I don't think CL will short change the 'accomplished' designers by making it too easy for us. Bear in mind also that Pontifex 2 will allow massive levels, something which is not implemented in the pre-order levels - I for one look forward to those
Regards
Bob