It's meant to be easy
that way anyone can learn how to do it.
I started out with photoshop about wow 6 years ago (if not longer), I tried using Gimp, Paint.Net and a few other applications, but still came back to good old PS.
The first thing I did after sitting in front of my PC on photoshop, playing with every tool I could lay my hands on, I started researching. 6 years later, I may be part of one of the biggest art sites on the net, but I still research, daily. I look for tips and ways to make other interesting effects in my art. When I am confident enough, I work on the technique and find an easier, quicker way to do it. With my work the way it is now, I don't always have the time to go the long way round. (like with my avatar). SO having a few shortcuts helps me along the way.