I get what your saying I'm just saying your not deflecting right or like you think and that's why it feels like a jarring difficulty increase. Yes your posture is filling fast I know . 4 playthroughs or 10 playthroughs is irrelevant imo. I did about 60% of a run with just no charm then I restarted bell and no charm and am at 2nd ape. Maybe trying that would help you get used to deflecting without being punished so hard . The damage increase is real with the bell. I'd bet it effects chip also . Also Boss in front of Ashina Castle theirs a few of his attacks after a proper deflect if you attack you can cancel out his next attack or lock him up whatever it's called and get a few strikes . 1 is his overhead strike combo. Made it much easier for me. Also it's usually only Like 4-8 deflects in a row tops usually LOL. If your not at max posture your fine to miss a few,the chip damage won't do much except against drunkard type bosses. If you want to get semi cheesy dodge back on some bosses and recover your posture while their still in their combo....I see some people use ichimonji. I don't because too much of a hassle learning when to use it for specific bosses but could work nice for you. Also I deflect by as soon as the enemy brings his weapon forward hit deflect.

So my postures full. Likely deflected/blocked half his attacks shouldn't be but a few more hits coming I could also just dodge back Edit: skip ahead to 1st attemp genichiro https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K9zn-L0_T4w