An easy way to de-sensitize the tailwheel is shown in the photo. This is a 40 size airplane and the pivot point of the tailwheel bracket is 1 inch fwd of the rudder hinge line and the rudder attach point of the tiller arm is 1 inch aft of the rudder hingeline; this ratio allows the tailwheel to deflect 1/2 the number of degrees that the rudder deflects. The steering is compromized in that you now have a larger turning radius, but still practical.

The key to a gradual increase of throttle to attain a scale like takeoff lies in Ben's reply above of holding up elevator to keep the tailwheel in contact with the ground until you have aerodynamic control with the rudder.

The Cessna 170 had a tailwheel lock. as well as Cessna AT-!0, the UC-78, the Beech DS-18, the DC-3/C47, and the C-46, and the B-17; these are the ones I know of.