I wouldn't think of playing full ring as giving up because it's too hard. Think of it as starting where you need to start so you can properly progress rather than jumping in somewhere you're not ready. You wouldn't take Algebra II before Algebra I but taking Algebra I isn't giving up - it's just a necessary step before Algebra II. Getting good @ full ring WILL, in my opinion, give you a good baseline skillset that can later be applied to 6max, HU, and any form of poker.

If all goes well with my poker journey, I can see myself moving to 6max and although I likely won't start as low as $2Nl, I definitely won't be starting off at the same level I leave off in full ring. I'll have to drop in stakes and learn 6max but I'll be armed with a valuable and powerful skillset I picked up in full ring.

I just don't think 6max lends itself well to the poker learning process starting out. You have to be looser by definition in 6max and apply advanced concepts more quickly. In full ring, you can start off very tight and gradually add concepts and techniques to your game and expand out as your development allows. You can then change your style to be looser as your ability to read hands and put players on ranges correctly gets better.

I also start my own tables in full ring and get some good exposure to heads-up and 6max play that way. BUT, having played some 6max and HU tables, I can say that I think a HU match on a full ring table is MUCH different and easier than a HU match on a HU table PLUS 6max is also much more different and easier on a full ring table than a 6max table. "Full ring" players behave differently than "6max" players than "HU" players.

Anyway, embrace the learning either way and definitely try to spend more time observing on tables rather than playing and I think you'll start having more success. Good luck.