It took countless tries for me to beat Mother Brain. And then there was that damn final ascent . . . with a TIME LIMIT!!!!! I was so angry that I actually punched my TV screen so hard I was worried that it broke or I did! I didn't touch that game for 6 straight months afterwards, and truly let it collect dust. When I ultimately, FINALLY beat it, it was more of a relief than a triumph.
Super Metroid, however, was fair, at least to me. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't rage inducing either.
Yeah, I think quick time events count. Interestingly, when one of those prompts you to keep hitting the same button, it's not a speed mashing contest like I grew up with, so I usually fail them.