Hi ya Tony... looking good. He's coming together. Fun learning something new isn't it. Can be a fun, rewarding... and humbling... experience.
I did something I very rarely, as in can't remember the last time, do when I finally get in on a multi-page thread. I went back to the beginning and read every single post. I think maybe the word "debate" caught my eye on 1 of the pages.
Having done as few figures as I have I am fore sure a newb. Hard? Easy? No, different.
Gamera said it best...
Armour guys consider aircraft difficult because of all the decals.
Aircraft guys consider autos hard because of trying to get a perfect clear gloss finish.
Auto guys consider armour hard because of all of the tiny 'fiddly bits'.
So frankly are figures hard or easy? Everyone will have a different opinion.
And when you add your comment Tony about what your dad always said to you. It's another skill set that has to be learned.
When and armor/aircraft guy like me attempts a figure, as I am now, wow that is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. I am used to painting the vast majority of a model with an airbrush and a paint brush to pick out a few details. The amount of colors and color mixing. The different brushes that are used. The different techniques... highlights... shadows... blending. And... OMG...the number of time you have to change your brush and clean the one you are putting down makes you want to run screaming into the night. And as someone else said, sorry to whoever it was I can't remember, it really has to be "right" since you know what people look like.
It's only hard because we don't know how to do it yet. What's the fun if you could do everything 1st time out? And if it was that way for everyone we modelers would not be the incredibly good looking, steadfast, and talented people that we are. Yes?