Killer obstructive DM, nintendo hard games, and shift in gamer culture

[Satinavian]

Interestingly enough, Tomb of Horrors exists because a number of Gary's players told him that the game was too easy.

And he had players solo it, at surprisingly low levels.

Yes, but there might be some element of familiarity with the DM in play. ToH is full of nasty surprises, but if you know what kind of stuff the author typically pulls, it can be significantly easier.