Just a suggestion, I have started using the PINg K15 woods. The heads are big and forgiving, which has made the use of fairway woods much easier for me. The larger head definitely makes it much easier. You might give it a try. I started with the 7 wood; maybe its not what the big-hiters use, but I tell ya its real easy to hit and get up in the air. Distance is good too. Once you get good with it, work your way down 5 to 3 wood.
Again, just a suggestion. I am with you, the fairway woods can be real intimidating to hit. Find a club that at least instills confidence when you look down on it. The K15 line does that for me.
John