I have the same issue with my neck and jawline areas. I try to stretch the jawline area up to my cheek and shave on a diagonal scything motion. I still can't get smooth shaves with my straights though, all honed from members here. I think it's all up to practicing a lot.
As for the DE comparison, I get the best shaves ever with my DE. A gillette NEW improved from 1926 open comb with feather blades. It feels like I haven't even hit puberty yet after I use it. My other DEs haven't given me anywhere near as close of a shave. The only reason I am still trying to get good with a straight is because it's just so cool to use and strop in the morning. I love it. I am just hoping I can achieve the super BBS that I get with the gillette NEW after a few months of practice.