E-gold VS Paypal : The developer's view

When I first began using e-gold in small scripts, like bubble games, etc. I found it pretty easy to use. Now when I have to implement Paypal's Payflow Pro I find it pretty hard.
Why do I have to read 170+ pages of developer's guide + 24 pages express checkout and direct payment simulator guide in order to implement just this system? I really don't get it. Why should we make our lives THAT difficult?