Then either something is wrong with your controller, or your perception of time is distorted by how pretty the woman on the screen. I could be wrong, though, but i've never noticed it. Go into training mode and make sure your 4s aren't turning into 7s, and that your 8s aren't turning into 9s. Or record this for us so we can see specifically what's going on. I think Akira is the only one with a tie dependent move.
Well, you are sticking ot the stick. They should've disabled the stick from the get-go (or, rather, unbound the IRQs except for camera control).
The input method is the issue. It was bad planning on TNs part to allow the stick when it's well known that their input timings had to be that tight and the ADCs in the standard stick are too slow for the inputs that matter. I used to be in your shoes, and when i was able to "go fast" my issue became inaccurate input. Just try it on the D-Pad, just for the sake seeing the difference. The issue is akin to all the complaints about reversed direction wiimote swings (hardware limitation).