Loved flying the MD-11. I always found that with its LSAS, small, gentle inputs worked best on a approach. Similar to a FBW aircraft. It is airplane with a relatively high VREF and therefor initiating the flare at the correct height is vital, but I honestly don't think it has bad handling habits. Heck, I preferred the MD-11 in a crosswind compared to the Airbus I am flying now.
Automation and Flight Guidance was better in the MD-11, too, but that is another story.