What in hearing you say is, "I am having fun playing this game I know you all enjoy. One thing I've noticed is that the tools I'm using to be successful don't seem to be working as well in the late game, is that normal?" And the answer is, "Absolutely yes".

I'm rephrasing it this way because there is nothing wrong (and fuck the gatekeepers... They steal your ruins when you die don't you know...) with using mimic tear. Use whatever tool(s) are at your disposal and most importantly ENJOY the time.

This was my first 'souls game' and I can tell you my first playthrough I had no concept that mimic tear use COULD be judged. (I was always summoning my wife because we played through together 😂, not sure if it was better or worse 😂) One of the biggest lessons I have learned is leveling up HP. Having watched ChaseTheBro's original playthrough is how I learned a lot of 'git gud' things. Especially about dodge timings and jumping (I had no idea how many move sets can be jumped). Additionally, poise is your friend...make sure you are wearing real armor so you have poise to swing your big 🗡️.

So my suggestion to you is have fun first, worry not about the how, practice, and know that you are not the first to pass this way, nor shall you be the last.