Yes, surfaces can be difficult at times. I usually have to come up with some work-around. It's good to know other approaches to a surfacing problem, and better knowledge of the software definitely helps in these cases. Its seems like the higher capabilities of Solidworks, such as splines and...
Funny, I'm sure they practice the same thing over and over until everything's optimal. So by the time they're recording it, it appears easy smooth and lightning quick!