Change difficultly level mid-game?

[amygdala]

Hey folks,

 

I recently picked up the game in the USA and, because the demo seemed so easy on "Easy", started the Axis campaign on "Normal".

 

This was clearly a mistake. A few things are bothering me:

 

1) This whole "you can't save and go to bed!" thing. I wish they had included a "Save & Exit" button.

 

2) Hidden objectives are annoying objectives. I found myself shooting holes in walls because I needed to get things/people on the third floor and the stairs had gone. Admittedly, I blew them up. But why did they put explosive gas tanks next to the stairs? Of course I'm going to shoot them!

 

3) I currently have two (non-random encounter) maps to choose from, and I'm getting my ass handed to me on both of them (one in the Urals, one in Brandenburg, or something like that).

 

So, my (stupid newbie) question is: Can I change the difficulty level mid-game?

 

Any helpful hints on the Axis campaign? (I'm not saying that I need a walkthough, mind you, but it wouldn't hurt.)

 

And while we're at it, any tips on saving a game in the middle of things?

 

Thanks!