Ok, let's make an honest comparison here...

Elite AI is not any worse than the typical average pilot on multiplayer. But there are some notable differences I don't think anyone has accounted for either. In a lobby with 8 racers of equal skill, whoever starts in first place has about a 90% chance of winning simply because they get to the first weapon pad before anyone else. If that pickup is a turbo, then it's race over. Note that this only applies to a full grid with pilots that are all around the same skill level. You can expect the "online elite" to be able to make clutch rocket shots, barrel roll at every single point possible, and know exactly where to screw over the other racers with defensive weapons. When racing equals, you pretty much know what the ideal racing line is, and so does everyone else. This is an extreme advantage when in first place because you only have to worry about who is behind you.

When it comes to Elite AI, things are a bit different. Assuming that you can get Elite Golds on TT and SL's (which you should be able to do if you are going for the ECL trophy) all you really have to worry about is tournaments and races.

The only trouble I really had was Phantom Elite tournaments. You can always try again for individual races, but the tournament isn't as forgiving (and I mean the 8 race Elite Phantom tournament here). However the AI programming is quite predictable. They won't barrel roll as often as online pilots will, and they focus more on weapon tactics than lines and tactical maneuvers. I get eliminated or I win against the Elite AI, there is no second place. If having trouble with an Elite race or tournament remember this: only try for one or two barrel rolls per lap, only use defensive weapons when in first place, and don't hold on to any offensive weapon while in first. Absorb whatever you don't need immediately, and play defense. Elite AI is has pre-programmed racing lines, you don't.

So is it easy? Well, that is a matter of experience. I can knockout the Arcade Perfect in 16 races. So I would personally consider it easy. But when I was first trying to get the Transcendence medal, it seemed near impossible. Races are in fact just Time Trials with a particularly slow first lap. Get in first, then relax and just think of the rest of the race as a Time Trial.