I don't remember Gormott being hard so much as tedious. I just kind of wanted out of there by the end (and it's one of the areas they brought back for Torna, oh joy). Rotbart also didn't really give me trouble. I think I saw him like one time before I hunted him down and killed him, and that time I think I just saw him and noped out of there. It was the birds that gave me issue on the way to Torigoth.
If I recall correctly, the items you're looking for are in a "secret" area you get to by climbing. I don't remember it being swamped with that high level of enemies. If I had to guess, you're in the wrong spot. I think there were mostly Tirkin in that area if it helps.
Now, back to speculation, if there is a March Direct as rumored, I think it's decently likely we'll get XC:DE news. If that's the case, do you think they'd reveal Rex? I kind of doubt he'd be the first one, but who knows at this point.