I like you have the same issues with cutting, does not matter what tool i buy to help me or how i do it, something is always wrong so lately i have been paper peicing with alot of success although I still have a few issues with cutting some fabs to big often i can use the other peices somewhere else. I have thought of giving up also but i still continue and at times I see blocks on ebay that i will purchase because i'm so bad other times my LQS will cut my strips for me I'm sorry for your fustration i share it also.
Sandra