I play on ps3... I don't have any issues using the dpad for skills... you can easily have your crossbars change when in combat, just have to set everything in the settings...

I believe you can also macro a skill followed by a change crossbar command... havent tested this yet, but have a quick video that has helped a lot of people here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lof8nKmlTH4

working on a macro video for several classes, but still working the kinks