Zato is such an exception to the rule. That's the problem with starting out with the most obtuse character in the game, I think.
Totally disagree that unique strings don't make a character unique or interesting to play. Obviously, not in-and-of-itself, but it most certainly contributes. If characters could just gatling all the way to Dust in all conditions in Guilty Gear, offense in general would be way too strong. Guilty isn't a team game, where the player is forced to learn 3 different characters. It's a 1v1 game. That's extremely important to keep in mind. Had it its own Magic Series with Dust as a launcher, it would be way less interesting of a game.
I will agree that getting basic footing in the game can be a bit too challenging for some, though (it was for me). The amount of variables that have to be taken into consideration when doing a block string or basic BnB in any condition are plentiful (character size, fall speed, your momentum vs your opponents, distance from opponent etc.). But it's what I signed up for when I decided I wanted to get good at Guilty Gear. My overriding hope is that a lot of the challenges this game provides will be transferable in the future.