Yeah, teaching the module system is kind of my white whale. Carol and I have spent more time on that part of the book than almost any other; re-written like five times.
My current working theory is that most people assume that "the module system" is similar to whatever one they've used in the past, then run into problems, and leads to frustration. I've talked to so many people who have totally opposite problems with it, with no real pattern to issues or expectations.
I think that it's very straightforward, personally, with very very simple rules (especially in 2018). But I certainly acknowledge that I am the exception, not the rule.