Pages is an excellent application. After learning it's core functionality, I can see the possibilities of what you can create are endless (or by the limits of your coding knowledge). I think you got discouraged too quickly. I agree that it has a longer learning curve than some of the other applications. But, that's a result of (in my opinion) being the most powerful app IPS offers.
Also, I don't think you should perceived the quote from IPS that you shared as negative. All they have said is that you have the freedom to do whatever you want and that if you break the site it's on you, which, is totally fair. The alternative is they limit what you can do with Pages and in that scenario everybody loses. (note: if you use correct practices that IPS outline in their guides, you won't run into trouble)
I have a feeling Pages is one of the more popular applications. However, I can agree that to inexperienced people, Pages can be a bit overwhelming to begin with. Maybe more pre-made templates would help with that.