It's tricky - no question about it. When I use it, I tend to click the vert, getting it ready to translate, and with it active (held down with the index finger), with the other hand scroll the wheel up or down, thus increasing or decreasing area of influence. It looks and feels awkward, but it works.

Monterey/Mint21.x/Win10 - Blender3.x - PP11.3(cm) - Musescore3.6.2

Wir sind gewohnt, daß die Menschen verhöhnen was sie nicht verstehen
[it is clear that humans have contempt for that which they do not understand] 

Metaphor of Chooks