Kicks go through even when you hit them, that should definitely be changed. Kicks also linger longer than their animation implies, so you can't barely dodge and counter with a short weapon while moving back in, you can only dodge and spam with a longer weapon while continuing to backpedal when you see the kick.
Other than that, I like the longer kick and slight turn, but it's just odd when you get hit by ghost hitboxes or get hit even though you hit the other guy out of the kick.
Edit: After reading the topic, realized I'm just reiterating other people's concerns. Still, pretty telling.