I don't thin'k germinating in soil is hard, put soil in a cup and water it down with un-nuted water and you can go a week or maybe more without watering again.
On the other hand I've had the papertowel dry out and the roots stick to it ruining the seeds several times because I'd have to remember to water the paper towel about twice a day.
Just remember there are more than one way to do this and I think everyone has their own way of doing it, so if it works for you keep doing it but if you want to try something new I'd do the soil.
If you could please tell me why soil is harder ?