ya'll chime in with your experiences.
I have seen thata lot of times when gathering a resource I have to turn slightly before my toon will start the gathering process. Sometimes zooming in 3rd person view too.
Some folks have experienced different issues between combat and crafting associated with free movement turned on and off, to include decreased casting ranges and gathering resources issue. I've always played with free movement so don't know.
Also a note about the running away mobs/toons issue. Certain toons seem to do it more than others. Domtar, Farb and myself have noticed that both Neeyala and Marielle seem to have the run away syndrome in combat.