I think is like all gong fu - if your body responds to it then it seems natural. If it feels natural it comes so much easier.
I have been curious here and there about focusing on that for a bit and seeing how much of it came naturally for me.
I am like the spider monkey and limbs almost too long vs height.
In and out? In some ways I feel long fighting is riskier and close is expedient, so it's really whatever the circumstance. Best to have some grip of both.
"The perfect way to do, is to be" ~ Lao Tzu