The game of course has its own sensitivity settings, but they don't offer a cure to the deadzone problem. I have my sensitivity bumped up from a default of 3 (I think) to a 6, along with the elites own sensitivity option to help eliminate the deadzone.
The paddles definitely have enough resistance, but it may take a game or two to train your hands not to tighten up during intense moments if you're the type who will be resting their fingers on the paddles at all times.
Personally, all 4 paddles made me hold the controller in a way that made my hands slightly uncomfortable, but I can easily see myself getting used to the 4 paddle grip with regular usage. So no, not too shabby!