I wouldn't give up on it so soon. I only started using HISE about 4 months ago now, with no programming background at all, only my previous basic Kontakt bulding knowledge.
I'm now finishing up my 2nd project, have 1 more project at 99% completed, and have about 9 others already deep into development at about 50%+ (ish). All plugins have turned out as absolute beasts so far, much better than I ever imagined that I could ever learn to build.
It takes a little bit of getting used to, especially the compiling and updates ect, but there are step by step videos for each process. It's a very powerful bit of kit and it would be sacrilege to give up on it before you have even started.
Everyone on the forum always helps out with whatever problem you have (and god knows I'm a massive pain in everyones ass asking a million questions!) but everyone is mega helpful, so you will never be stuck for long.
I havn't tried maize sampler but I'm pretty sure that once you learn your way around HISE and get past the initial 'where the f**k is everything', you won't regret sticking with it and making the switch.
...And I think you really must have missed @d-healey's YouTube channel and Patreon page. If you want to learn HISE and plugin development properly, then those 2 places alongside this forum are all the tools you need.