head to head
Neither is meaningfully harder - they pose close to the same test. The widest gap is reads, and it is a single point.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
Map-painting grand strategy ruled by mana and idea optimization.

Optimization · Pure Optimization
Tuning interlocking production chains and racing victory-point routes.
Europa Universalis IV leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Europa Universalis IV
pausable, no twitch
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom
Slow-paced clicking - no twitch demand
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom leans a little harder on reads, though the gap is small.
Europa Universalis IV
AI mostly scripted, some MP
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom
Multiplayer victory-point races involve anticipating rival paths
Europa Universalis IV leans a little harder on variance, though the gap is small.
Europa Universalis IV
events, mission paths
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom
Map resources are fixed and visible after scouting
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Europa Universalis IV
idea groups, economy, mana spending
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom
Production chains and victory-point routing are the whole game
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.