Right now I'm messing with vibrato and expression, and I'm really disappointed in the fact that there is NO way to use any type of drawing tool except line and freehand on the piano roll controller panes... I know of the conversion work-around, but I want a way that is easy and painless.
I'm not a huge fan of using automation on MIDI tracks, especially when those controls are available where I can see the in the PR.

Not sure what exactly you are looking for but are you aware of the MIDI Inspector module? It's a control bar module that let's you manipulate single or multiple selected MIDI notes in various ways.
 
However you might try your luck with this topic in the X3 forum. I'm sure you'll get tons of useful tips there.
 
I did however think that there are multiple tools to use in the controller pane but I rarely work in that area of the PRV so IDK. Seems weird that you would be limited to just Freehand.

I see... I guess I'll have to just go ahead and use the automation lanes instead. Maybe working with nodes will be a better solution in the long run, anyway.