I use a pad because character movements are more responsive using analog sticks rather than M+KB in my experience using both.

Access to hotbars has never been a problem for me except when playing ACN-derived jobs. Primary hotbar for regular skills, secondary hotbar for situationals like Goad or Lethargy. Tap R1 during the GCD to get to my situational skill, tap R1 again. No actions are lost, 'on demand' skills like holmgang, hallowed ground, and bene always go on my primary hotbar, so...