One can say that strafing already exist but the effects are so small you can barely see it. Ever turned your squid to avoid hitting a stationary obstruction at the last moment but you still end up drifting into it? That's what I'm talking about.
I originally suggested a new pilot tool, called it Greased Balloon that would reduce sideways friction to allow strafing. Effects can remain active for extra 3 seconds after deactivation so you can mix in other tool effects.