How many volts are you running your midstroke on, elbo? When I line with a machine, I'm used to certain speeds for certain needle groups. Here's what I am comfortable at:

1-4 round liners: 110-118hz on a coil machine
5-9 round liners: 118-126hz on a coil machine

So, I have found that when I use small liners on my neotats, I'll use my 2.5mm neotat around 8 or 9v because I don't want it going too fast. If I'm using a larger grouping, and doing something technical, where I WANT to take my time, I'll use the same setting. If I want to fly through some bloodlines, I'll either use my 1.8 at 8 or 9v, or my 2.5 at 9 or 10v. If I want to use bigger groupings and want to take my time, I'll use my 3.5 at about 10v. If I want to go at a 'normal' coil speed, I might crank it up to 11v or 12v.

Think this way - shorter stroke is FASTER at the same voltage as a long stroke. Fiddle around with different settings, and eventually, you'll find your comfort zone.

It also helps to have a few different machines. Try and talk one of your coworkers into getting a machine. Since you have the medium stroke, get them to buy a long or short stroke! I think it's worth having all 3. At Ray's prices, that's not a difficult feat.

As another option, you may enjoy using a Rapier (it has 'give') or you may enjoy a RotaryWorks machine. The brass model has a good weight to it, making it easy to get lines in as you have some weight behind your needle - it's also superfast - it will line easily at 2.5 or 3 volts.