I don't mind backpeddling at all, but only if I'm locked onto a target which IMO makes sense. I wouldn't want to turn my back on something I'm fighting if I'm engaged into the fight. Now if I want to run? Heck yeah turn tail and book it!!

So basically backpedal only when locked onto targets (any target: friendly, foe, or inanimate object) and turn and run any other time.