Does including extended material in FTL make it more difficult to complete the game?

I ask because I previously completed it on PC before the new material came out, but I've since been playing it on iPad with the new material (i.e. new races, systems, etc) and I am unable to get past the first boss stage, despite trying various strategies over about 10 attempts - 4 of which have got to the final boss.

My only theory on this is that the increased variation in the game means there's more to contend with, so the game is harder, meaning you're less prepared for the final boss.