If a knuckle-dragging techno-Neanderthal like me can learn VASL, anyone can. I recommend connecting with someone (on Skype maybe) who can talk you through the startup process. If your experience is anything like mine, you will soon be wondering what took you so long to take the plunge. IMO, it is still not a replacement for FTF, but the ability to play at your own convenience, store a game and come back to it days, or even weeks later, play people from all over the planet (to name just a few advantages) makes it well worth the effort.
You will find plenty of people on this forum willing to help you get started. Give it a try.