Noob Question

I am horrible at this game I think. No matter what country I play (britain, austria, two sicilies) I feel like I am just doing something wrong. TS I can never capitulate the SRI b/c the french, Austria I end up stuck in war against illyria and can't beat them and same with UK, the main issue I think is that when it comes to war I am just doing something wrong It feels like everybody elses units are 100000x stronger than mine.

Usually I run 9 inf and 9/1 with arty, engie, and recon support - and I build CAS.

I want to do a TS Evola run but I am probably at attempt 20 and I have no luck. The first year or so I cant even get a civ built, then I can start the war and start with a stomp but the french always come and its devolves into a stalemate that lasts into the 40s.

Am I retard?