They really are that easy to avoid. Especially in the sylphlands. It's not a matter of standing there and waiting for them to turn. If they are facing one way, you simply run behind them. Nothing MGS about it.

It's actually more difficult in the deeper areas of the sahagin and amalj'aa areas.

Heavy doesn't bother me, though. If I was running to catch a fate or a node or a hunt mark, those 20 seconds usually don't make a difference if I was already late.