What kind of program is needed for easy file recovery?

How does one differentiate between the degree of difficulty required for most data recovery tasks. While it is true that many programs designed to help you recover lost files come with wizard style interfaces that in theory will guide you through the recovery process and for the most part do all of the work for you, it is also true that these programs seldom successfully locate a high enough percentage of lost or damaged files. With that said, it seems that easy file recovery requires a program that lets you operate the system manually but still offers quality step by step guidance through the entire process.