While hit-reg is admittedly an issue, as well as the networking, the mechanics to the sword are actually not terrible at all. If you isolate the variables (by understanding that hit reg and network issues are NOT sword issues, but are entirely something more), its gameplay is actually spot-on, and definitely not as simple as most seem to think.
It has been my long-standing belief that the sword's capability and mechanics are woefully misunderstood. So much so that, every single pirate that I have ever encountered, without exception, has underplayed it. In other words, I don't think the skill ceiling has ever been reached, simply because there are mechanics that most don't use, either because they rely on exploits, simpler methods, or for most, are just wholly ignorant of their existence.
I, for 1, am happy that most of the prior exploits are gone, because that was not true sword-fighting. That was ice-skating. And pirates don't skate on ice.
Now, instead of relying on exploits that have you flying across half an island (just ask Peter Pan - pirates aren't meant to fly either), you're actually forced to move, block, dodge, bait, feint, and counter.
Most pirates, in my experience, either stand still and slash nonstop in the hopes of getting lucky, or charge directly at their opponent - both of which will get you killed. Because of their lack of movement and/or defense, their feathers get ruffled when they're defeated and they try to blame hit-reg or something else. To be fair, of course, some are not necessarily wrong. Still, it's surprising how a simple recording can show the mistakes or poor choices that are made. For that reason, I implore you - if you're ever defeated and in doubt, save a clip, and learn from it. You might surprise yourself.
Blocking does work - it just takes a lot of skill to use. The issue that most have is that they forget that the block only works from the front, and only to a certain degree. Meanwhile the attack animations cover a larger area and because it's a swing, it can even get opponents behind you if they're close enough.
Timing is also key. If you don't get your block up, or drop it at the wrong time, it'll cost you. A block only works so long as you hold it, but an attack can still hurt someone long after you simply press the input.
Angles matter - it's not just the movement either. Looking in certain directions can actually give you an advantage, both on offense and defense. Many a pirate will try to keep you front and center and in doing so, neglect themselves. Yes, it's important to keep your opponent front and center, but if you're not seeking an angle to bypass your opponent's defenses, they will likely beat you. Simply looking left or right can greatly extend your swing or block, with the proper timing.
Many pirates don't sword-cancel either. Rare made it so you can cancel a sword swing into just about anything. I like to cancel into my firearm, or into a block in order to dodge. Throws pirates through a loop!
Some, but not all, pirates know how to dodge with the sword (read - not talking about the charge here), but don't realize that the sword dodge allows them to pass through an opponent's space - that means that you should never be cornered or outnumbered in melee. And knowing that is powerful! Sadly, most don't - and that's why they're easily defeated; not by their opponent, but by their own ignorance.
Virtually no pirate ever uses the running sword slash, because virtually nobody even knows it exists, unless I show it to them - and no, I'm not talking about the charge. If you simply perform the dodge, but replace the jump with a slash, you can extend your reach and speed as you attack (and it's omnidirectional!), but it's so subtle, most either don't do it at all or do it by accident and don't even realize it.
Then there's the over-reliance on the charge - an incredibly telegraphed, easily avoidable attack that leaves you completely vulnerable on a miss that is too easy to make. It really only ever works if you can bait or distract your opponent in my experience. If they're aware, you're making a mistake.
Hit reg is indeed an issue, but I don't believe it to be as prevalent as most seem to think. In any case, you gotta fix your issues before you start pointing the finger at hit reg or some other more than likely nonsense notion.
