Since discussion on this topic moved to this thread, I'm reposting my last reply from the former thread.

It's all about priorities.
Isn't it obvious that they do not care for responsiveness or fluidity in their game?
Every UI action has lag built into it, combat mechanics have lag built into it (animation delays, skill effects applying after animation ends etc.)

SE simply does not care about this that much, control is not king here. They think people can live with it, because it is a matter of "taste". And they are right, there are plenty of clueless people, who never had better experience in mmorpg, and don't know what we are talking about. And those who do, will be back on their epic quest, to find another wow killer, soon enough. Wildstar next in line.