[buster3000]

I don't know why he's making it harder than it actually is. It's almost as easy as the MSP430s. Using the arduino-ide complicates things IMO so that's probably where he's gone down the wrong path.

A simple makefile, avr-gcc, avrdude and the attiny85 datasheet is all you need. He has the programmer I use judging by his description.

Makefile i use for my projects https://pastebin.com/pntGaWk7

edit: I think he isn't using the same programmer. He's using that annoying one where you have to either unplug + plugin before each flash with arduino or ground the permanent reset pin. Chuck it and get a proper avr programmer.