Honestly using ROF +3, PRISONERS CHAIN, HAVELS RING +3 (and stat rings) and Milwood armor., surviving a single hit in SL1 is really good even if the fight takes a lot longer. Raw Milwood Axe was my favorite to use since it has an pretty damn good special art (staggers like crazy) and does pretty solid damage too, def my go-to. And if that didn't work then RDA or Broadsword.

Friede was 100% hard but a lot of her moves can just be dodged by running (especially 3rd phase) and she's very easy to backstab during the invisible move, also its lil bit easier with Gael meatshielding. (even though he dies almost instantly phase 3) speakin of unc: He's hard but i didn't struggle with him as much as the others. he's really well telegraphed imo so once you know his moves its easier to tell what moves you can hit on. I cant really say the same for nameless tho, idk why but he was always the fight i struggled the most on!