I have yet to play this game, but if im understanding you correctly....you can't just hold the right analog stick back and keep someone in a position anymore. IMO that is a GREAT feature because too many people would pull a dominant ground position and just hold the analog stick there forever waiting for you to tire yourself out most of the time. makes the person in the dominant position have to 'work' to keep it instead of holding the stupid analog stick back the whole time while picking you apart with the occasional punch.
The ref separates you pretty fast and because of that it shouldn`t be a problem anymore so yeah i still think it`s stupid that you always get your way on the third transition attempt.With the unlimited right analog stick block...If your opponent blocks your transition to a takedown from the clinch and nothing happens in 10 seconds or so the Ref will separate you so no stress at all.