OBsIV, Linear Ramp actually works quite well after working around the deadzone problem using a curve.
Also, I just realized that a curve is not even needed if you use a large amount of boost instead.
Using no curve and about 4900 boost, I get the same effect of using a curve (I think the boost with no curve might actually feel better).
P.S. apparently Blizzard has responded to the Linear Ramp problem, although they seem to "be having trouble replicating the issue" which is pretty funny
http://www.dbltap.com/posts/5112011-blizzard-responds-to-linear-ramp-issuesAnyways, hopefully they figure things out and the problem gets resolved soon.
A fixed Linear Ramp might get Mist to have another look at Linear and create an official ST for it.
That would probably feel a million times better than the workaround we are currently using for Linear Ramp.