Honestly just consider proxying the cards; after having spent a bit too much on colored paper I’m realizing that buying actual cards is nothing more than cosmetic (if you only play with friends). That way you can try out ALL the cards you feel like trying, without wasting money.
You can either print the full card with this site (https://mtgprint.net/) or an ever more ink-saving version with this one (https://playtestproxies.com/).
Of course always keep in mind the power level of the decks used in your group and ask them if they’re okay with it.
Regarding your OP, it sounds like your pod is playing at a level higher than precon; when we play precons only we see maybe two single-target removals and maaaybe one boardwipe, which is normal since stock precons have very little removal. Ask them to bring precons next time
You do have to like the commander and what it does (and the singleton and multiplayer format), but it sounds like you don’t have the time to find out what that is, since yours get removed often and quickly. Getting obliterated is never fun, even when you love the format and the commander
If they have only high power decks, yeah you’re better off trying to find a new-ish commander and proxy a whole deck around that. Keep in mind that usually older precons are pretty underpowered compared to newer cards. Still, since you sound new to EDH they could at least make a sacrifice once and either borrow a precon or build something low power with the spare cards they have, if possible.