Wouldn't a frontend program be more simple, or are there drawbacks?

For most games a front-end will do swell.
As you're on Vista you'll need a front end who is Vista compatible. As are:
DGBL http://home.quicknet.nl/qn/prive/blankendaalr/dbgl/
D-Fend reloaded: http://dfendreloaded.sourceforge.net/

But for some games you will have to learn how to do things the old way, meaning: on the prompt. Mainly games that need a specific mount to be able to find their files in a directory structure.
Also keep in mind that most here don't use a front-end, so you won't find much game specific help using a front-end here.

I would strongely advise you to learn the 'prompt way', it isn't hard to master and avoids extra problems.

Personally, I just don't use frontends.
With customized shortcuts and incremental configs, DOSBox can be set up to run a specific game on double-clicking a shortcut on your Desktop (or wherever) and close when the game terminates.

Personally, I just use that CVS. It has a GUI, so I can set it up enough without having to use a frontend.