I understand the OP's frustrations. I grew up with "normal " RPG's , so d&d rules can be difficult. Even when using cheats. My problem with the game is though that the journey towards a questpoint is frustrating, cause the map has so many stops and walls and name on, you need to see to bypass. You REALLY don't want to know how much time i lost @ Rosaryn Monastery, because i didn't find the entrance....
Also : You need to have person x in your party to start / continue quest y. WTF? Can you at least make it : Tell person x i'm waiting for him / her in place z to discuss?