scootediboo, I understand your pain, I played the first game a few years ago and thought the same thing and ditched it. Only now for some reason I've gotten the hang of it(sortof). I admit that I start on normal difficulty and play as far as I can on that, then I drop it to easy/casual. Then when I get stuck, I go back and try some of the challenges on easy to get more stars so I can go forward again. I go back on harder dificultys to level up a new character. Also, I love the characters, I've played all 3 FTP chars and like the variety and thought that went into them. I have yet to purchase premium content, but I intend to do so soon. Maybe I'll try hard on the original KR... p.s. Try Shadow Dodge on Mirage before you dismiss it.
 "Kingdom Rush Frontiers")