Anyone else upset with Akali?

Early - Mid game I feel slightly weaker (as intended) but by late game I feel even shittier.. Takes way too long for me to pop someone because i have to auto attack to proc the Q instead of pressing E which doesn't sound like much but I have really started to notice it since I started playing her again.

Is bruiser Akali better? I tried it once in a losing lane and wasn't convinced.. but I want sm1 who is more experienced with Akali to give me their input...

She good/bad/balanced??