I would love a way to go back to the old versions of TestComplete where that object recognition hint stuff wasn't present. I have never seen this be helpful; it's only caused problems for us when...
Sounds like more time is needed to spend with them... In the past, I've connected with their staff and set up a shared screen session via GoToMeeting and demonstrated problems I've had. It might be worth seeing if they will set that up with you as well. They are, usually, VERY accommodating.