Simplest way to configure a switch to control a light (group)?

You don’t need automations or HA light groups.

It can be done with zigbee groups and binding much like deconz. It’s actually pretty easy, just hidden a menu or two too deep.

1: Add the lights to a zigbee group via the “Groups” tab on ZHA Integration “Configure” page
2: Go to the “Manage Clusters” menu of the switch device and complete the “Group Binding” options.