as a daily autocad user I struggled with 3d in autocad - I think that this is because the 3d in autocad isnt real 3d, you work in 2d and keep rotating the model to get your axis correct for the command you want to carry out.
For 3d work I still prefer Bentley microstation, where you can just input your coordinates.
autocad, as an old school user, I use a combination of typed commands, toolpalettes and the ribbon, whichever is most convenient at the time.
The problem I do have with all of the other cad derivatives and 3d software is the lack of functionality, I know what I want to do, but the tools arent there to do it. so I have been spoilt by 30 years of CAD, I know what can be done in full CAD and expect it from the other software.
but to summarise - if you want to do 3D in autocad - learn how to rotate your ucs to get things in the correct plane to do the work.