PoE2 Aim feels clunky

I am writing this post to see if other people are sharing the same “behavior” when it comes to aim (using console controller).

I tried using both modes for an extended duration to see which fits my play-style (playing as a sorc)

Auto aim: I notice that the aim direction while casting spells is the same direction the player is moving instead of facing (moving backwards with my face forwards) will results on spells being casted behind me instead of in front of me. This literally results in me going to the packs head-on to kill them instead of kiting them which forced me into adding “blink” to my build just as a mean of escape after face-diving minions.

Focused aim: I don’t think this mode is meant for clearing, much as auto-aim is not mean for boss’ing. I notice that swapping between targets isn’t always “correct”. I assume this is due to pack size and quantity of minions, it’s really difficult to precisely swap to the target hitting you in the face while your spells are being casted on the back row minions.

What bugs me really is that the “aiming” design is forcing me to change my play-style (and technically my build as well).
Is there any advice how to maneuver this ?

Chiming in to say that I fully agree and have observed this behavior as well. There is still a far too aggresive target lock on Tempest Bell and as a Flickerstrike Monk having my character stay locked on to packs behind me and opposite the direction I'm moving is getting tiring. Even if I try to force flick my joystick forward at packs ahead of me often times when I do Flicker it snaps me backwards again towards a stray mob or two. It happens on either aiming toggle. Really annoying.