I had the same problem with the EQ7 in trying to figure out how to use it and starting over trying to figure it out each time! EQ8 is much more intuitive to me(maybe average computer user). I do use the supplemental lessons books as references, but it seems I've gotten the hang of it much quicker (never happened with EQ7). .
Rob--I agree on the using for more modern quilts--I'm taking 3 classes virtually via QuiltCon in Feb on how to use EQ8 for modern & improv, etc. Hope it makes it easier to use for modern so that I can stop having to sketch it out and then try to figure out yard.age
Battleaxe--it does seem like sometimes EQ uses weird names for blocks. I think Hunter's Star is in the 8 pointed star section