It is easier to do the more complicated things in asl than QDK. You can structure things much nicer too as you can see the structure and tab things in the asl rather endless pop-up windows in QDK. I recommend playing with QDK as it's English-y and seeing what the asl codes for those commands are. Play some games then look at the asl as well. This'll help you learn what the codes are. Also
http://www.axeuk.com/quest/developer/do ... on/asl.htm is invaluable as it has all the codes and their usage. I still look things up in it from time to time.
The learning curve for asl is not hard at all, it was the first programming language I learnt.
I would also recommend making a new game in QDK, saving it then opening the asl so you have the define game block set up, which is really necessary as the game will crash if it's not set up right.
Have fun.