I have performed this piece in recital. It is certainly not easy, but it is definitely not the most difficult of the etudes. I find it a good bit easier, for example, than the "Black Key" op 10 no 5, which has similar passages.
I use the following fingering for the opening, which is close to yours: 52413251 etc. The real problem in this piece is of course not the fingering as such but developing the stamina to play through to the end.
The 4th finger is indeed often the weak link. You are not alone! Just keep working. Try practicing with finger staccato, kind of a sharp scratching motion. That makes the fingers work hard. You will also need wrist rotation.
The first page lies pretty comfortably under the hand. In fact, so does most of the piece, except for measures 17-22 and 81 and 82, which are really awkward.
Good luck,
Ned