Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.

Q: Why is it so hard to get simple things done in Civil 3D?

A: Because you haven't been trained!

Yes, that's right I said it. And so have others.  Find someone experienced and pay them to train you and implement the software.  Are there issues with Civil 3D that make some simple things difficult? Of course but if you are looking for perfection you'll be looking forever.  Are resellers sometimes misleading? Yes but there are some really good ones too.

Taking a positive attitude and understanding that learning new software will not happen over night is the first step. If you don't start here then no one can help you.    I am using Civil 3D for design of medium sized residential developments and small commercial sites. If you have questions and want to get answers about implementing Civil 3D and don't want the reseller run around, ask me, I'd love to help.