Originally posted by: AssertnFailure
From what i've witnessed of the series so far.....anyone with a devils fruit that can counter an attack but isnt "inate" can still manage to use their power at the right place at the right time everytime.

Buggy was able to dodge every single sword swing from zoro by seperating his body at just the right places.
Crocodile and Smoker...well have YOU seen anyone land a blow on them? (Not counting the water trick with croc)

Actually now that i think about it....croc's ability still seems automatic.....we didnt see him attempt to turn to sand or anything back when luffy was pulling water punches on him.....he was just surprised that his skin remained solid when the impact landed.
Buggies ability was the chop chop fruit and thus anywhere he was cut he seperated instantly. If it was automatic when he was kicked in the nuts then he would have auto seperated. The abilities generally have to be willed and I'm sure that was the case with crocodile which was why he was surprized. As for smoker he hasn't been hit but he has been caged and being hit by that material that acts like the ocean he would take damage. The water trick is specifically where this comes into play.