It does take practise to fly "in the tunnel" experience helps a lot knowing what he's likely going to try to do also.
If you think your stick is oversensitive instead of the default straight stairstep from low left to high right. Try putting a low curve in there instead. Still need to start low left, the next 4 or 5 steps should step up very gradually, then the last 4 jump faster to get you to the top.
This has the advantage of giving you finer control (especially for pitch) close to the center, but max control when you need it.