Jeremy,
IMO, The ones you flew (Roos and Rookies) must not have been set up correctly. I haven't flown a Rookie, but the Roos that I have flown, had none of the "flaws" you mentioned.
Rolls were very axial, just like every other jet (DF or turbine) I've ever flown.
There are quite a few "conventional jets" that will get you into trouble if brought in too fast, some will even hop like a Roo. The difference is that a Roo needs to be slower than most "conventional jets" when it lands. If done right, you can land a roo on the mains and "ride" with the nose still in the air for a while, before the nose drops.