Yes, Lake Placid is easier. Except the swim but that's only because Placid is just about the easiest swim possible. Although with the 2 loops it can get pretty crowded on the second lap. MT can get more chop since it's just bigger but it shouldn't be an issue, and it's kind of nice to have a one-loop swim instead of 2. The bike in MT is easier and faster for sure. Some of the climbs on that end portion of Duplessis are steeper I think than anything in Placid, but that whole section is relatively short. There are long sections where you can just cruise in aero, and the pavement is much smoother for much more of the course than Placid.

The runs I think are somewhat similar, minus again that long, painful, steep hill at miles 11 and 24. A few hills on the course in MT but nothing too bad. Time-wise I think these 2 are about equal on the run. I will say though running on that narrow path in MT can get pretty crowded at times, yet also pretty lonely since there aren't any spectators down there. But in Placid there aren't a lot of spectators out on River Road anyway so that won't be a change.

They're definitely somewhat similar, and the other thing I really like about both is that everything is really centrally located and if you get a hotel right there you don't have to worry about driving or parking anywhere. If you like Lake Placid I think you will LOVE MT.