@ploodovic Not too surprised that it can be a bit of a rocky experience IRL as well. Still, I think that it is the case that a case of a quirky system IRL having its deficiencies further amplified by the aggressive autopilot pitching.
For now I am also using VS mode (which, as people note in this thread, is also too aggressive), but I enjoy trying to make it as smooth of a ride as possible for the passengers. Also Air Hauler passengers start complaining when going to 0.7 G, which helps highlight things like this.