You chose two of the most "not straightforward" classes in the game. Every time I see a brand new player start on engi or mesmer, I want to tell them to pick something simpler until they have a good feel of the game.
But yes, currencies alone is ridiculous in Gw2... something needs to change there.
Glad you found some enjoyment though!
I honestly couldn't get into the game until I tried the engi. My first character was a necro, and it just didn't fit my fantasy for that class. Engi fit perfectly what I wanted (also it was fun causing explosions in the Ash missions where everyone as acting stealthy)