I like big white things (planes!) & regularly use XF-2 & plenty of it & can't say that I have had any issue - even through a fine 0.15mm needle / nozzle set, but I always use Tamiya X-20A thinner.
It is possible that you have an iffy bottle of paint, but I don't think duff Tamiya acrylic is that common to be honest. Is it possible that it's contaminated?
Somewhere between 2:1 (paint:thinner) is a fair starting point, but more thinner can be added without giving any noticeable coverage issues, 5:3 works well for me even with a fine needle. Some Liquitex flow-aid or a similar product may help if you continue to have issues.