Targeting/attacking difficult. Should I use a macro?

[Frein]

Right now I have targeting set to enemy-only in the config, and I cycle through targets with left/right on my game pad, then press confirm to engage. Half the time my abilities menu is already up and I start scrolling left/right through my set abilities rather than target mobs.

This part is most likely causing everyone a lot of trouble. I can't comprehend the logic behind putting two commands on one button/key like this.

I've modified my keyboard settings to resemble FFXI as closely as possible and I rely on a combination of tab targeting and Target Nearest NPC. I don't think you can possibly play this game as efficiently using a gamepad.