I only used comps AFTER the 8th gym and I just used my 31x1 or 31x2 breeders (they were not even that good) and everything was really easy for me. it just required a little bit of thinking, the game was actually exciting which wasn't the case earlier when I was sweeping hoen when it came out and that sucked and I think people just exaggerate the difficulty because people are used to ohko pokes while farming. I don't even enjoy PVE for the most part but this time it was fun as it required me to think and battle like I was fighting a real player and that is how it should be! and I had no problem except for skyla, 8th gym,cheren, ghetsis and N still I was able to beat them in my 2nd or 3rd trial while I am a complete noob to gen4+ and I would say there is no need to change this level cap system AT ALL!
This was my first pokemon game and i had a tough time learning comp (like 2 years ago) and I think something like this might have helped, I am liking the whole idea of getting new players to make smart move and I am all up for those dungeons make sure to make them hard af!