Assembler vs Hex Editing

For me, and my failure of a attempt at ff2 edits. I cannot edit any maps, or tile palette assignments, or even just a simple single color of a palette for field sprites, unless I know how to do assembly. But how can I?! The many attempts of downloading programs that specialize in 6502 assembly only result in either its dos exclusive or it exits the instant I open the program.

I think I've ranted enough about the value of assembly. Cause it is something I seek but repeatedly, fate denies me so.