Play 0.8 then, I actually really recommend that version. There's also a mod for the version on Thunderstore which makes various aspects of the game go slower so if the day length setting still isn't enough, that may help. Then, when you've learned 0.8 and like the game, THEN try 0.9, as it changes a lot of things, but a few things are still the same. The learning curve will be less high, but still need to learn new but familiar things.
also, did the mandatory tutorial not teach you anything about the signal table? That seems like equally important feedback to give!