Thread needs more vids of TB players... playing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_VOauRGAcM&fmt=22 <--- HD
Did you read the OP?
Sword combat is tactical as hell at high level, considering the way attacks affect each other.
Factoring in lag and reaction time, you have easily more than half a second to counter a regular swing, its all about knowing what to throw out there, and timing your attacks.
Maybe in the first stages of the game its twitch, but a sword duel isn't twitch at all.