Illustrator broken tools, line styling won't stick for more than one stroke

I am currently experiencing SO many problems with Illustrator, I don't know where to begin. Searching forums for a particular answer to this problem has left me empty handed, so I will ask here. It could possibly be an OE, however I use to do this ok, but not anymore.

I am no longer able to set a line style for making multiple line marks (it keeps reverting back to the default 'Uniform' line). As far as I can see; to make a tapered line style you have to set the style each time after you make the mark... EACH FLIPPIN' TIME? Seriously? I use to set the style and race away with it, now it's broken!
I'm finding these bugs are a MASSIVE waster of time and money, Adobe? Anyone here have a remedy or solution?

Why don't they fix this stuff? Is it because we have no choice to stay with Adobe now that we must pay RENT now as opposed to choose to BUY version upgrades?

greatest thanks in advance for suggested solutions,

siobhan