OP, the way you feel about 1h left swing is how all 1h-ers feel about every 2h swing direction. You could fight most 1h-ers and never do anything but zigzag around and right block, and you probably win. The other three 1h attack directions are pretty much limited to people that aren't aware of you, especially thrust and right swing with their delays and high probability to glance.
Turn rate limit should be a function of weapon weight, so Great Mauls can't spin on overheads much but 1hers still could. And the horrible 1h right swing animation should have its delay reduced and sweet spot increased. Finally, 1h thrust shouldn't glance from being too close unless your target is literally touching you.