there isn't much difference between strafing and analog left/right with the exception of where you're facing in relation to the camera.
Analog left/right moves in a large circle around the camera's current center-point. It's a lot different from just strafing, which also gives you aerial control, the Achilles heel of Analog mode.
That being said, having the camera put a primary focus on staying behind Sonic would make it a lot less painful. A camera reset button would help immensely as well.