How to easily format and partition a USB flash drive?

[maro]

I didn't know there is something called persistence mode. @wolfman
My problems with formatting and partitioning are much more basic.

I have never used the "Restore Disk Image" button to create a bootable USB, so I have no idea what it does differently than using the Startup Disk Creator in UM. @lah7

It is a pity that there is no program to easily format and partition a USB drive on Ubuntu MATE. The question about a possible fork of USB Image Writer and USB Formatter was raised some time ago but unfortunately not pursued any further. Disks is not intuitive at all. There are too many options without any explanation of what to use and why. I am hoping for a program which asks what you would like to do and does it with one click. The lack of an intuitive formatting and partitioning tool is one of the biggest drawbacks in UM for me.

@maro

I am still not sure why the Format Disk option suggests Erase and Partitioning when in fact the only thing it does it formatting. When I select MBR and then start the process I end up having a formatted but not a partitioned USB drive. This is extremely confusing.

I know there is a learning curve when dealing with a new operating system but it is not too much to ask to get things done in a simple and intuitive way. Does anyone know how other distros solve this problem?