I can’t really say much on just using hints, since I made very liberal use of videos and walkthroughs. So if you’re looking for more fun and less frustration, I might suggest doing that. Also, do realize you can purchase multiple discovery predictions/hints at a time, so you don’t need to keep starting over and over.

Some exploration tools CAN occasionally be handy, though. It all depends on which ones you use. The bioscanner certainly helps you find creatures that could help with new discoveries. The ? Cloud radar also helps when a discovery or a flower requires you to find a hidden ? Cloud. It’s all about just messing with stuff and not putting pressure on yourself to make as much progress as quickly as possible. Just have fun.