Everyone is different. After your first trip you will see many of the issues you are concerned about are not as bad as they might seem.
Problems highlighted on FF boards such as AFF are real, but they are rare given the millions of tickets being used and flown each year.
I would recommend that if you have points to use, try AFF’s sister company that can search and book the awards for you. There’s a fee involved, but it will remove almost all your pre-departure frustrations.
Most of the issues arise before departure. Once you’re in your way there’s a whole raft of protections - such as not leaving a passenger stranded - that will smooth the journey.
