Is the Rosary primarily a Gospel contemplation on the Five Mysteries , done a short time with vocal prayers added to it?

I've been trying to understand the *Rosary* but it just confuses me. The most popular way is to recite one *Pater Noster*, ten *Ave Marias*, one *Gloria Patri* and perhaps one *O my Jesus* while at the same time contemplating a mystery from the Gospels. The idea seems to be that people want to combine vocal prayer with contemplation. I am not sure really how to understand the term "contemplation" in the Rosary. Some use the term to refer to the Ignatian Method of Gospel contemplation in which you imagine being present in the scene with all your senses. I am aware that this method is pre-Ignatian in origin. In [*Rosarium Virginis Mariae*](https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae.html) St. John Paul II used the term but never defined it. This means that he might have other things in mind than Gospel contemplation. I myself like *lectio divina*. This is easier because I don't have to do any difficult Gospel contemplation. This is also easier since you don't have to move between five mysteries in a very short time. To me, the *Jesus prayer* is easier. The *Jesus prayer* is shorter than the *Ave Maria* so it is easier for me to use as a repetitive prayer. The *Rosary* seems to be a prayer for people who are good at Gospel contemplation. People like me just get frustrated. But it is encouraged by the Popes. The [*Life of Christ Rosary* or the *Carthusian Rosary*](https://www.lifeofchristrosary.com/) seems way easier but I am talking about the popular version. **My question: Is the *Rosary* primarily a *Gospel contemplation on the Five Mysteries*, done in a short time with vocal prayers added to it?** Why do the Popes care so much for this way of praying? Why is this way of praying so important and even more important than mental prayer?