I've always found rowing machines difficult. I guess I got what many have when starting with bikes, where I'd rather go slower at higher resistance, and hence I don't really spool up the resistance fan.

If you use an air rower like the C2, you can adjust the damper to control the simulated drag profile. Fully open is like rowing through sand. The most constricted setting you can keep spooled up with very little effort.

The important part is that the setting doesn't really matter in terms of how difficult the workout will be. You are always in charge of this. The performance monitor software in these machines only measure the power into the flywheel.

If you find that less drag feels better and more engaging, then just use that setting.