yes the bank account is definitely the difficult part. Once you have that everything else is straightforward. I went to several banks before finally getting Bangkok bank to open my account.
I think you are absolutely correct, but the process is fairly easy once you have opened a bank account here, it's just a case of providing the documents that are required and filling in a simple form.
I am not saying I use an agent to book flights (I don't), but it's not that much more expensive and some people are nervous booking flights (which is your point).
Using an agent for a visa is expensive and unnecessary, unless you want to break Thailand's rules IMO.
I got my DL when I first arrived in Thailand and did not have a 90 day report, I do not remember it causing any problems (but someone might correct me).
Do you have the international driving permit, as that made it very easy to apply.