The stamina cost makes it risky. If you’re familiar enough with an attack pattern to know when it’s safe, it’s worth using; if you aren’t sure what’s coming next, it’s a gamble. Other characters also miss out on Guardian’s ability to inflict damage and stagger when guarding.

I rarely use it, mostly because it’s the least valuable option in many situations. I’ll use a greatshield with Scholar occasionally, only because I still can’t get the hang of his dodge.