So then it sounds like you agree that save states can remove the friction that makes a challenge fun. Otherwise you wouldn’t restrict yourself from doing it in boss fights.

Really, what the issue comes down to is what you personally think is the most satisfying and fun way to play the game. Save-stating is cheating, but who cares when it’s a singleplayer game. Just make up your own rules based on what you think is the most fair challenge for yourself.