There's no need for motion sensing to perform a pletphora of barrel rolls. Just pitch will suffice. Learning to not only using the thumb, or whichever finger controls the d-pab, to not only move laterally but also vertically (or to and fro if that's the case) isn't a giant leap. At first it may seem awkward but you may find it's easier to control, that is my experience. That way you make it do what you want instead of what the controller wants from you.

I've tried the Nyko Zero, awesome to hold with my hands, nice and sturdy r and l buttons but the d-pad is a joke. It resembles a roulette table...with a restricted turn. And the battery pack is large and external. It didn't interfere with my fingers but it easily could hinder.