Customizing effects - especially motion paths

Is possible to provide increased flexibility and control with effects, especially motion paths. I am frustrated with trial/error/guess processes with all motion effect (paths, glide, drift, fly, etc.). I hate to compare overtly, but one of the advantages to Storyline is the ability to define start, end, and speed when moving objects (as except for these and similar presets, I always prefer Captivate over Articulate products). I do not wish to create animated gifs or use AfterEffects for simple movements--seems like overkill and time-intensive.

Maybe I am missing something (I hope ). Anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Third party add-ons?

Thanks in advance

Janmei