What is the problem with the uppers? I've always thought their uppers were pretty easy install.
Our wall is plaster on solid brick. I saw a few screw/anchor recommendations but didn't write them down at the time.
Ikea cabinets all hang on a v-channel, right? To attach that to the wall, depending on the expected weight load, I'd use TapCon anchors or expanding steel bolts (sometimes called sleeve anchor bolts).