Since this discussion started it has prompted me to spend more time looking into this pitch bending thing.....I have found that the D-Beam on my Roland EM2000 works well if set to pitch bend amongst its many options....and would you believe I can keep playing my left hand chords because I can lean forward and trigger the D-Beam with my head....Now how about that for an option. HA!!!
Also the aftertouch works possibly even better, but the technique to do this requires more practice.

Graham UK