Old direct hit was done away because players do not like launching a big attack and having it miss.
On a 97% hit chance.
3 burst rotation windows in a row.

That is basically collectables gathering now, but on a 99% gather chance.

Players didn't like the old direct hit system for a good reason, and SE changed it.
Current gathering could probably use some improving too. I know it's gonna take a lot of work to change up the whole gathering system like that, but please consider it. Those random chances breaking gathering chains are nuts.