I think it sounds bad/rude to say it this way, but i can't think of how else to say it...but yep, I think it's gotta be you. (Sorry, no offense, you started the thread) :sorry!:
Yes, there are "tricks" to getting the latch strap tight, basically what has already been said about making sure to pull the strap back *at the correct angle* to get it to tighten, which usually means back through the beltpath. But usually, using Latch is pretty easy. There are a couple vehicles and a couple seats where that isn't the case, and some specific instances where Latch is not the best choice (like getting a tight 3-across, for example) but in general, Latch works well most of the time.
I will say that I noticed you mentioend the titan, and i have a titan, and do find the Latch on that seat to be a little bit harder to adjust...like the latch strap itself is a bit stiff, or else the adjuster is just really difficult, but it does not tighten as easily as my other ones. but, I can install my seats using LATCH in about a minute each. I only have regular access to 3 vehicles with latch, a kia sedan, dodge caravan and a ford focus, and only have a few seats we use regularly (AOE, vision, nauti, titan) but they install pretty easily.
Can you pinpoint WHY the latch doesn't work as well for you? Is it possible it has somethign to do with the direction/angle that you are pulling on it, as has been described by other posters? could it be a particular adjuster that is "stiff", like my titan? Is it possible the latch strap is simply not routed correctly, and you are not getting a tight install because it's threaded through the wrong place or something? i know it can be confusing how to re-route the latch straps on some seats. Heck, I've been a tech for almost 3 years, and it has recently come to my attentiona that, 3 years ago, I *probably* routed the straps/belt on my sisters EFTA wrong when I installed it for her. :doh: