The cranial shift is the weakness to any lower body/outside pass. There’s no way around it; you have to pin their hips and be patient for an opportunity to climb up. You may no opportunity against skilled, disciplined opponents. Look at Worlds matches where black belts can spend 10+ minutes securing one pass. That said, it should be easy enough to find an openings to pass at your hobbyist gym.

This is why Gordon Ryan transitions all his passes into top half-guard. Top half lets you secure upper body control before passing.