Hey guys, since Eternity is the first Kickstarter project on which I'm spending money, I've decided to join the discussion
From my experience people usually use "hardcore" to define two completely different things:
1. Bad design. That's when a player has to struggle against interface problems, stupid level design or ridiculously strong monsters in the plain encounter like huge open space with a horde of enemies (their stats increased simply because designers were too lazy to plan and prepare a good fight).
2. Hard to beat encounters. Fights which require solid knowledge and use of your party abilities, preparation and planning. You might also have to use your brain =)
I'm definitely pro Hardcore 2 and strictly contra Hardcore 1 =))