Hi guys - I'm pleased to give you an update. I took my acoustic into my local guitar store (Harry's in Raleigh, NC) and asked the tech to look at it. He said "I'm not surprised you hate playing this thing - come back in a week." A week later and $50 lighter, my guitar had a full set up - and it plays great. Easy easy action, no hand strain making chords, nice sparkling tone, all good. I feel like I have a new guitar. I strongly recommend getting an expert to look at your axe from time to time.