Yes, setting up graphite can be confusing and painful. Looks like the author created a Docker app that should also make it easier.
Another alternative and a shamless plug - I've created an open-source fabric script that automates the graphite install processes (on debian-based hosts). See https://github.com/gingerlime/graphite-fabric
Yep, I think it has too many dependencies and the architecture is over complicated. I've built a standalone stats collection/storage daemon that just works with any charts packaging - google charts, or whatever. Works great and doesn't require 10000 dependencies.
Another alternative and a shamless plug - I've created an open-source fabric script that automates the graphite install processes (on debian-based hosts). See https://github.com/gingerlime/graphite-fabric