I wouldn't say it used to be any easier. On one hand, it used to have less variety so less RNG but on the other hand, there also was less choices to me made ie. even more luck based.
I do like games which have some mysteries and leave them to player alone to solve and obviously I do like to make games which I myself enjoy. It's not for everyone, I get it and it's just fine. And I am in fact working on a next patch which will include a log book where you can explore your discovered things/mechanics a bit more thoroughly giving at least some hints which should at least a little help alleviate these issues.
Spelling just one word isn't enough. You gotta do all three, to win. And pirate/sea themed words are in fact a bonus. The weird lettering is the "special language" of the frogs. It's not quite as simple as just flipping or mirroring but that's on the right track.
Sorry for wasting your time and thanks for the feedback...