Oh Carole don't get to disheartened. I think you hit the nail on the head by saying they are ok on thin pearl card. We don't know what these presenters are using. Also I don't believe the cut n boss is the all singing and dancing machine. I wouldn't be surprised to find the demo ones on the TV are 'souped' up.
I made some Xmas create a cards over the weekend and they were a pig to cut if the card was too thick. But flimsy card doesn't stand so well.

I'm going through my stuff at the moment and going back to basics.

Hope you're feeling calmer

Donna