I'm just starting with an acoustic as well, but I have to ask -- have you had your action checked at a music shop? My fingers were absolutely killing me before, and it seemed like I couldn't press hard enough. I brought the guitar in and they lowered the action significantly by sanding down the saddle and now it feels like I barely have to touch the strings to sound the notes. The difference on my fingers is night and day.

Just wanted to make sure you're not barking up the wrong tree.