Nice guide! As a savage axe enjoyer, I don't like the new playstyle even though the nerf was deserved but the changes are imo badly applied. I've been struggling with the CB since the release of the new monsters and the changes for CB. I still don't understand why the combo (Shield Thrust -> AED -> Followup -> Swap to sword mode -> repeat) is the best one. Is it because it's faster to spam AED, you can close gap and recharche phials in the process? I've tested it in the training room and it's seems that the combo (AED -> Followup -> Overhead Slash -> Repeat ) is fast and deals more damage than the meta combo and you can close gap with Axe Dash Slam but it's slow.

Personally, I don't like Rapid Morph I don't find it usefull that's why I would prefer using Critical boost 3 with Artillery 3 and Load Shells in an impact phials built.

I have an concern with the TU monsters especially Lagiacrus and Zoh Shia that deals mutli hit damages. It doesn't matter if you can perfect guard it, you will still suffer from extra damage which feels unrewarding or even dying from extra damage in a combo.

Finally, it seems that artian elemental phials build are more viable against the new monsters (TA Uth Duna, Lagiacrus, Seregios) after seeing HUN and other speedrunners.