Are all firmware updates this confusing?
no. update firmware, hard-reset the amp blocks you use and dial them in again. that's all there is to it.
but i think the "amp blocks you use" part of that is what is causing some worry and confusion.
i think most "working professionals" have 1 to any number of presets they use regularly, and knowing the number of presets they use, they can visualize the work needed to be done. it's a finite number. "i have 20 presets for my cover gig and need to update 10 amp channels" for example.
i believe some of the "worry" being shown comes from those who preset hop around the axe and don't really commit themselves to any presets. compared to the working guy, suddenly i'd have to reset all amp channels, in all 380+ factory presets, and any presets i've purchased, and any future presets... etc etc. phrased this way, there is an undetermined amount of work to be done because they don't have "just a few presets" they have "all" the presets to update. THAT seems daunting for sure compared to the working guy who just has 10 to do.
i know cliff said the current factory presets are fine, and i agree. however i do foresee us updating them so new users, or users who just dabble a few minutes a day can have an updated starting point.
as far as all the details concerning hard-reset, soft-reset, manage page reset, and anything in between, i think these details shouldn't matter to most users.
if you WANT to start the amp with the new/intended default parameters, do a hard-reset.
anything other than a hard-reset will cause you to use your ears to determine if it sounds good or not.