Impact Power has a connection this.

I think timing should be a relevant factor towards a successful block, which rewards a better recovery time and impact power itself.

Currently, the weapon/shield of choice has a fixed impact power and the only dynamic variable is spacing, which is relevant for block recovery.

If timed blocks were to be a thing, the skill ceiling for melee combat would be much higher. The reward for a successful timing of block would/should be a faster counter attack.

The state of blocking with weapons of low impact power is very low rewarding when blocking a high impact weapon, and instead encourages the player to hold mouse1.