I sometimes switch to visual editors to edit text with more complicated layouts. However, I found that the reference editing feature lacks some capabilities available in source mode:
Edit the name of that reference (which is essential for reusing references)
Placing reference in the <references> block. The separation of reference and page content allows easier maintenance.
Some UI suggestions:
I also have some suggestions for creating the <references> block if there isn't one:
If a <references> block does not exist and you want to create one for the general group, place it at the end of the article, and right before the category links which typically appear at the end.
If a <references> block of a specific group does not exist, place it at the end of the current section being edited.