Anchoring your joystick's arm elbow helps massively for controlled inputs when aiming with fa off, but yes as all have said, those that are competent fa off pilots and who then toggle between the two modes at the right times are the ones to be feared the most in combat.
Yep, makes a big difference. I have my throttle and stick low down to the sides of my seat, allows me to keep my arms on the side rest for accurate control. Lateral thrusters through the pedals, vertical through a rocker switch.
@Op - I normally use gimbaled weapons except for ships equipped with rails. Recently been flying an Imperial Eagle with a Plasma accelerator and two fixed multi cannons, have found less is always more, don't overcontrol the ship, smooth inputs is all it takes. Nothing wrong with temporarily engaging FA, still with practice it becomes very easy to do it full FA-OFF.
@Marek - Don't know what you are on buddy, no way can you match FA-OFF flying style with assist engaged, it is a completely different type of flying style - impossible to replicate with the flight computers overriding your inputs