I know it sounds intimidating at first, but believe me, its worth it! Setting up CTLD is super simple in the end and it works 100%. We in the 132nd use it all the time and could not even imagine DCS without it. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
super easy setup to just get simple troop transport working:
step 1:
download ctld
step 2:
set a trigger in your mission time more 1 do scriptfile MIST (to be found in the CTLD download)
set another trigger in the mission editor time more 2 do scriptfile CTLD (also to be found in the CTLD download)
step 3:
create a zone in your mission and name it pickzone1
in this area, you will be able to pick up troops!
step 4:
name your helicopter helicargo1 (need to set the unit name, not the group name)
thats it, now you should have CTLD options available with the F10 menu. You can fly to your pickzone, land, pick up troops. Fly somewhere else, land and let them disembark. do NOT use DCS built-in embarking disembarking options, use CTLD via F10 radio menu.
I typed this in haste and from memory I hope its accurate, the exact procedure should be very well detailed in the CTLD download. You can modify all options to your hearts content in the CTLD lua directly but this should get you started.
EDIT and CTLD is not just a work around its far more powerful than DCS's built-in options. You can use it to deploy smoke also with non-JTAC units, deploy radio beacons on the fly and much more
EDIT and I am not the creator of CTLD, just a super happy user thanks Ciribob!