I also made use of the strafing modifier key for a long time. Even today I like to keep the turn left/right on the WASD for games like MMORPGs since it allows me to steer the character without using the mouse if I want to. Got the impression that many people replaced the turning function in WASD with strafing or some other commands now. Some even remove backpedal.

With mouse look out of the equation a controller is going to run rings around alternatives.