Can't move gradient where I want it

I really do not like the current design of Illustrator’s gradient annotator. It’s needlessly cumbersome and frustrating to use. The rotation and length controls just don’t work very well. If you’re trying to build more complex gradient effects across objects stacked on top of each other it’s almost impossible to get the gradients in each object to line up accurately.

It would be so much easier and so much more simple if either end of the gradient annotator could simply be dragged to a desired position. The iPad version of Adobe Illustrator has a gradient annotator that works just like this. Just move either end where you want it. Rival vector graphics apps (such as CorelDRAW and Affinity Designer) have gradient annotators that allow either end to be moved to a desired position. And they even allow snapping controls to allow accurate stacking of multiple gradients.

Perhaps some Illustrator users might like the current implementation of the gradient annotator. I would at least like an option in Preferences to enable this other kind of gradient annotator.

There are multiple requests for this feature in the Adobe Illustrator User Voice forum. Here is a link to one such discussion thread.
https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657-illustrator-desktop-feature-requests/suggestions/46159303-allow-to-reposition-both-ends-of-gradient-annotato
I recommend anyone who dislikes the current gradient annotator to visit the thread and vote for it.

Hi! Make sure you are dragging the gradient itself, not the shape: select the object, then press G for the Gradient Tool. With the Gradient Tool active, drag the gradient annotator itself to the center of the shape — for a radial gradient, drag its center point. Dragging with the Selection tool instead will move the whole shape, which is why it shifts elsewhere. You can also fine-tune it in Window > Gradient. More details here: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/desktop/paint-and-fill/create-and-edit-gradients/gradients-overview.html