I wonder if all the issues with combat could be fixed with a simple stamina system. Kinda find it annoying how AI with a fast weapon can spam it without any issues. It's like trying to block a helicopter rotor going at full speed at times. It would also lower the deadliness of infantry going at each other. Also wounds could have an effect too. Serious cut in the leg to slow you down/stamina regain etc.
Now I wouldn't want it to be extreme like in Dark Souls where one swing tires you out, but maybe just something to balance things out. Less armored dudes would also benefit from this, they could be faster and have more stamina. I mean they are already faster without the stamina in-game, but have more stamina to spend. Attacking would of course tire you out faster than blocking, so if you are good at blocking you can tire one of those ninjas out.
Now I wouldn't want it to be extreme like in Dark Souls where one swing tires you out, but maybe just something to balance things out. Less armored dudes would also benefit from this, they could be faster and have more stamina. I mean they are already faster without the stamina in-game, but have more stamina to spend. Attacking would of course tire you out faster than blocking, so if you are good at blocking you can tire one of those ninjas out.