you know bren, you have said in this post everything I've been thinking everytime I read about someone giving up. The best advice I could give anyone for this game is simple, treat them like children! lol I'm spending everyday of my life right now babysitting my niece who just came from a very bad babysitter who gave NO discipline, and I find this game is a lot less frustrating than 'training' my niece everyday lol.
I truly hope some read this and instead of give up, take your advice, because it really is a great game in the end.