Personally, I love the X52, and had no problems getting used to it, other than getting used to new button locations etc...
I started out with a few "el-cheapo" sticks at first, before I tried the Saitek Cyborg EVO. I liked that stick too, but it kept dieing on me. I eventually bought an X52 and thought I'd gone to heaven! I'm on my third X52 now, and can't imagine anything better, unless it was more durable. I've got the replacement plan so I just take the old one back to the store and swap out for a new one every year or so.
As far as scaling goes, I have all the scales for all the axis in a line straight across the top. I fly with small control movements, and like the sensitivity set as high as I can get it. I don't have problems with nose bounce.
As for the weak spring, I notice the REVERSE problem you do. I need to wipe off the bottom of the plastic "washer" under the spring, as well as the surface it rubs on, or I notice the stick forces build up with dust. Crazy? Yup, but I even smear vasoline in the friction areas to smooth it up and make it slide easier. Makes the dust stick sooner, but I wipe it down each time I fly while waiting for the game to load.
I've flown RC planes for years, so having no feeling for stick forces etc, and flying with small control inputs is second nature.
My guess is you are just over-controlling, and you'll eventually get used to the stick. Have you tried going to the TA and just flying around, doing made-up aerobatics for a few hours? If not, try it. In the MA environment, we normally just fly around smooth and level, and don't get into any fancy flying until we fight. That IS NOT a good time to try to figure out a new set-up if you're having problems like you describe.
MtnMan