I felt like difficulty 40 was much easier than other random runs at levels 25-30, why exactly is that? I spent a lot of time in this particular level range, it’s not good. Has anyone experienced something similar?
Likely that you were playing with better players than before
cause guys that are regularly up the food chain know their business, usually.
that isn’t to say a single hav40 wont drop like a fly if left to his own devices on auric, cause he’s so indoctrinated by the turtle and cuddle “tactic”, but inside their literal bubble they are comfortable 
people in havoc 40 adapted + get used to the game mode by now, it is normal to find experienced people in havoc when you host h40s. plus with the reduction of crushers it also slightly made havoc a bit more easier.