Thats what this game is becoming, a game with no depth or posibilities, only limits.
That's why we need the stamina bar. Enable every trick in the book (spinthrust, hiltslash, kicks, spam, feints, holds, lolstab, shield bash, etc), just limit them with a stamina mechanic. If you want to beat that super skilled player, bust out all your tricks, but be prepared to be killed by a peasant afterwards because you are so exhausted.
Stamina bar would also open up new tactics, like playing defensively to wear your opponent out, faking fatigue then going berserk, peasants could be actually be useful by making top players waste stamina so their teammates could get the kill, etc.