Yes I tried both those things, I even had a thread on here to get suggestions.Is the tension too light? Rotate joy stick handle and manipulate it so that the bottom of your palm is always anchored to the bench top for each shot.....the handle has a bend for a reason.
Actually I feel totally the opposite of your post above. I don't see enough upside to the stick to bother further fighting with what can be a very annoying issue, especially during a match. I'm happy with the sinclair 'dial' rest.
I own a joypod for ftr and use the stick vs the rear bag to varying degrees depending on how I feel. One recent match I finished and putting away my gear I realized I never attached the stick to the joypod!