..as it does make it easier especially if you don't have a drill press to control the feed of the bit.

Here's the thing. With a regular bit the "ears" of the bit at the cutting point, one on each side, will catch the acrlic and that's what produces stress and spins the stuff around and/or breaks it out at the short edge.

The special bits are more tapered and less "eary" and don't grab the acrylic.

Grinding the sharp ears off'n a regular bit will be a big help in preventing the grabbing that is so onerous.