Can`t really pass around many tricks when it comes to execution of techniques, really just a matter of learning the inputs and being aware of what is going on around you. Different enemies have different reactions and physics behind different attacks as well, so it comes down to experimenting with what you have, and trying to adapt it to make it work in a realistic way. Raving in general gets a lot of people frustrated because the buffering window you have is very small, especially on Turbo where it is greatly amplified. The best thing you can do is use debug or a trainer to disable enemy deaths and find a mega scarecrow and practice the inputs. Try not to think of it so dynamically, because raving optimally doesn't have any down frames, it's a mater of repeating the inputs quickly but accurately. Some would suggest using a super costume for infinite DT to give you a bit of pillow if you mess up a JC or something, but I don't think this logic necessarily checks out, in a practice environment you should either be doing it correctly or not, and if you are not you should be quickly shown why.
Normal raves are best learned without even touching the analog stick, it's simply a master of learning the Skystar > Swordmaster & Enemy Step > Rave > Trickster > Repeat. It's relatively simple, and easily mastered with a bit of practice, but it's easy to get in the mentality that mashing the buttons without pattern or rhythm will get you the desired effect, and it may even work, but realize that you do not have control over the move or it's effects, if you fail to understand the effect it has on enemies and your position than you are doing it wrong and you should stop.
Side raves are along the same principal, except you are now bring the analog stick into the equation, this opens up a new layer of complexity for a variety of reasons, most notably maintaining your style switching pattern as well as dictating Dante's direction. There are no cures or tricks to this problem, it's a matter of finding the way that works for you the best, for me it's utilizing a claw grip over the controller, for others it's just a matter of moving your thumb around like you are playing Mario Party. You also start to lose control over your best element, buffering since the directional layout of Dante doesn't have that buffer that the other attacks in the pattern provide provide. Timing and orientation are now entirely up to you to fulfill, and you will be punished for failing to input correctly. I recommend starting by only raving in one direction, and think over the pattern of inputs you have in your head and focus on hitting those buttons. Pay little attention to information from the actual screen, because it all comes down to inputting it correctly, if the move fails it's because you failed the correct inputs and requirements for it. Obviously the same practicing environment is still the same, with a downed mega scarecrow to start, while moving up across varying enemy types and varieties. The final application of this technique becomes much harder when you have to manage a variety of stun-teching enemies as well as other dangers while using it like Frosts and Assaults.
