@legionercheg please take a look at this “live” thread which confirms it’s not normally a 2 step process for most “shield” users [SOLVED] Arduino + ESP8266 ESP-01(AI-Cloud, Black Version)
Obviously we are all here to help whichever method of connection you decide to choose.
Many Blynkers start with one method and then try others before settling on what is best for them.
I was initially a shield user and with around 60 Arduino’s in the house you can understand why, like you, I chose this route.
I have a bit of a phobia with soldering irons and breadboards are not always 100% effective so the Blynk plug and play system, ESP’s with USB ports, became my preferred connection method.
Blynk have said themselves they are not Arduino fans as far as connecting to Blynk is concerned. They were not designed for internet use whereas other hardware was. So development time is likely to concentrate on connection methods that are reliable and popular.
As indicated by @esa there are some shield users that have found the shield connection process straightforward and we hope you and others do too.
Please keep us updated with your progress as it’s sure to help others, whether that is to make it easier for them to use shields with Blynk or help them decide on an alternative connection method.