I don't think the Apostle Paul was playing word games. If Pharaoh's heart was already hard, why confuse the issue by bring the Will of God into the argument?
Otherwise you're left with: "God is in control - except when he isn't"
“God is in control - except when he isn’t”
The article answers this. God is in control first and always AND He loves you and gives you free will to love Him back - or hurt Him and those others He loves. That’s why it’s truly FREE will, otherwise it would be crossed fingers behind the back. Secondary causality you have been given control over - and I have. I watch out for you and you try to rob me.