[ApK]

I don't recall the exact steps, but I think during the setup, you're just enabling the skill and giving Alexa permission to interact with it, which can be done even if you have no devices at the moment. The command "Alexa, discover devices" needs to be given to have her look for new devices to add to her smart home stuff whenever a new device from any company is hooked up (except for Amazon brand device which do it automatically, just as you'd expect.)

As for the frustration, I think it's been pointed out before that in computer years Alexa is now a teenager. And talking to her is like talking to most any teenage girl.....