I agree with chaissos. You’re not talking to the right mechanic.
Please elaborate about where you took your Tribute. Are the places you visited part of a national chain? Did you consult a Mazda dealer? Have you talked to an independent mechanic? We need to know these things.
If the light is on for a misfire, the computer should tell the mechanic which cylinder is misfiring. It’s not rocket science.
Whoever said you don’t have plugs and wires is partially incorrect. Your Tribute has spark plugs, and it has wires, but it probably doesn’t have a traditional ignition coil.
I believer your Tribute has a “coil-on-plug” ignition system.
My suggestion? Find a good independent mechanic. Stay away from the national chain shops, or the tire stores, oil change franchises, etc. You need a mechanic, and when you find one you will be amazed at how simple it is to get your vehicle working properly again.
You will, of course, have to write a check, but if you find a good mechanic it will be worth every penny.