You barely block at all, you do timed parry as last resort but besides that you build up a rhytm of hits and pushes to keep enemy from attacking back. Only 3 cases when im resorting to actually blocking is active with too many enemies to time parrying, ressing and running away.
Sure i can see argument of flanking, but then i ask what are you flanking? damage boost will be lost on chaff, specials are dealt with by ranged weapons almost exclusively, bosses will either show their back to you or theyll instantly turn to f*** you up.
That leaves us with armor for which glaive is preffered choice anyway.