Hi Letterworks

3D Coat and Zbrush are a little odd interface wise it's true.  But 3D Coat is much easier to learn that ZBrush. 

I'd pick up the trial and see how you get one, I have some videos on using it in my youtube channel is that will help

http://www.youtube.com/user/Fugazi3D?feature=mhee

John.

Fugazi (without the aid of a safety net)

https://www.facebook.com/Fugazi3D