I used the X3Dpro for 3yrs, till I just bought the G940... The X3D never was a "smooth" stick, with the ball and socket w spring, and pots, it never will be, even when brand new... I've had lots of them, because they wear out fast... At $25 bucks each online, really, what do you expect!!! If you keep the weight of your forearm supported, so it doesn't rest on the sticks socket, it will double the lifespan.. Had one last a year that way.. Sounds like you have the same prob, that I always had.. If you set the dampers up, to steady down your aim, then it is too sluggish during hard ACM, And vice/versa...
All I can suggest, is keep the dampers as low as you can tolerate, and remember to release your deathgrip for a sec, to let the controls neutralize before you take take your shot.. And practice changing from the hard grip
for maneuver, to the fingertip touch for aiming... That worked for me, don't really think there is another solution for that stick...
Biggest prob for me was unintentional rudder input on the twisty... LOL, this just EATS UP your E as well, and you don't even realize it, LOL!!!
RC