Ya, I agree with your points Johnny. Janky interface and iffy controls, but overall a decent and faithful version of the boardgame. That's all I really want/need with some stuff automated like you said.
Yeah, no$gba is the most barebones emulator out there but the guy actually constantly updates it and knows his shit - it's been king of the hill for a long time now. I have my special cardy-card now so no need for it, but otherwise it's pretty awesome.