Eagle is really worth learning it. I conceived it as hard as well. But once I figured it out I regreted that I did not take the time to learn this earlier. Everyone seems to be using Eagle. Once you get it you understand why. I finally got it by working through two tutorials and then trying to route my own PCB. Best idea I had: I did NOT take the auto router 
The whole thing starts to get more clear once you manage to create your own library parts.
Udo