Co-sign. The only thing I wish Capcom kept from 3rd Strike is the parry system (even though I sucked at it) and being able to choose which Super Move you wanted. That combined with the ultra meter would've been extra dope.
I always start charging right when I initiate a combo, and follow through once I get to that "point." For instance with Bison and a fully charged Ultra meter, I'll jump in with a Hard kick, start charging, drop down with a Crouched Medium kick, and unleash the Ultra kind of halfway between the Medium kick and when it's finished.
And I need to find one of those pads or a Hori stick, I've been thinking about picking up SC IV, and I just got a working Street Fighter Anniversary Collection bootleg that's compatible with the 360. How'd you build your sticks?