Is learning from top view difficult?
It's not difficult, it's just different.
An example would be the flip out/closer for genesis. It took me a while to learn because I couldn't make out the proper finger positions from the top view. Then one day, I was just randomly thinking of something with a deck of aviators in my hand, and voila, I performed the cut without realizing what I was doing until after I was done. I digress.
Point I'm trying to make is that, for some cuts, you need to get an understanding of what goes on from the front view in order for the top view to be helpful. That, and practice.
Let us know what you are practicing and how it's going
Would you say papercuts is easier to learn from than the system?
In my opinion, papercuts could be a little harder. The angles are better but the flourishes are mory knacky I guess. Chris and Jordan are quite skilled flourishers. Still enjoyed that disc a lot