ike,
i guess it sounds like youve been in the computer industry
like myself ??.
imho, learning to use music software is no different
than learning a computer compiler like C++ or vb.
viz..you just gotta get stuck in.
there are no short cuts. and unfortunately this aspect
often taxes peoples patience.
it is a truism whichever music software one uses
there is a learning curve. like a compiler.
a coupla years back i met a member of a group
that has sold milllions of records. he informed me
years back on the first gold hit,,,they basically
just went into the studio n just played their instruments.
everything was set up for em.
today however things are different.
us songwriters have to also be part tecchie , part trouble shooter,
part production engr , part mixer etc etc.
ie we have to wear many hats.
and the nub of it is..if one isnt willing to do that..
its gonna sometimes be frustrating.
the only alternative is to hire a big studio with session musicians.
but this costs money many folks dont have.
ive used such in the past, n sometimes even then a song might
not turn out how one wishes cos one often ends up clock watching
due to ones budget.
there really is no perfect solution mate.
basically songs are loads of work whichever way one goes.
products like BIAB and RB are tools and can help immensely..
but one must have the drive and patience also, as there is only
so much they can do.
stick with it mate n youll get there.

retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.