wow, downloaded electrum and it just works. why does all this palava with armory happen. what a waste of time. oh well. thanks for all your help and patience with me
Security <--------|--------> Convenience
Armory's priority is security. It also happens to be an advanced wallet which gives the user maximum control over their Bitcoins.
There is a cost to achieve these levels of security and control. Some of us are more than willing to pay that cost, others are not.
As with most things in life, you must choose what is important to you. Those of us who don't want to accidentally all our coins are more than happy to accept the trade-offs required to enjoy the levels of security and control which Armory provides.