I understand why one would think this way, but actually, the more intense the pain the easier the meditation becomes.

Meditation is all about focusing on one thing, and one thing alone. This means that it is easier to focus on the pain if it is powerful enough to distract you from everything else.

I don't think it would be easy for a beginner, but for someone who has experience with meditation, it would certainly be easier than a subtle pain that does no service to distracting one from their thoughts.