Another thing to watch out for with patterns which don't offer shortcuts is that the cutting instructions may be wrong for how you want to make them.
If you are making a bajillion HST then why not make them 8 or 12 at a time? Then don't cut strips or buy a jelly roll, cut blocks of fabric.
Every time I learn a new shortcut I put it in a big looseleaf notebook full of instructions for different techniques. DIY quilter's handbook of a sort.