I use EQ7 also. I didn't use the tutorials, I'm more of a search-the-index-for-what-I-want kind of girl. I was able to figure out how to use EQ by just clicking on things to see what they did. If I couldn't figure it out, I'd look it up in the manual or click on the Videos or Help buttons.
I can't compare and contrast the other design programs that are out there, I've only used EQ.