If it makes you feel better texas I just went and broke the EV playfair starting at the beginning by hand. It helps that I knew the end result, of course - but a good thing that I did as now I can see how the process works. So I'd argue that using the tool has helped me massively, as I've learned how to join up the sketchy start I made to the end product. sometimes it's a good thing to jump to the answer if you don't understand the method, so long as you then go back and do understand it. No-one should be expected to be able to tackle puzzles like this by hand for the first time, although I envy all those that can.
Re: last night... drat.