All I use at this point (cause I'm broke atm) is the Miracle Grow time realease shit you are all complaining about. It actually works very very well once you learn how to use it and is easy as pie.
You don't start a seed in it, actually you shouldn't start any seeds in any soil but that's another debate.
Start in Peat Pellets, whether it's clones or seeds.
Transplant to soil when it has a good rootball and can handle nutrients.
If the plant shows a little burn, ignore it.
Water only when dry, and not too much.
You don't try to flush it. (releases more nutes)
That's it... Water when it needs it and don't add a god damn thing.
Of course just about anything else is better, and for the last 20 years prior I never used such cheap stuff, but when you're broke nothing is cheaper or simpler. It actually works very well and I've not lost a plant yet, but when I first tried it I was bitching about it and mad as hell because I was trying to use it like normal soil. That doesn't work.