Imo you are overthinking it, 4 stances, 8 directions, the combat on a big scale will be a mess and way too random, just steal the m:b guys idea of 4 attack directions and 4 blocks, it's simple yet has depth and works perfectly, focus on your animations that still look way to glidey (not a word but you get the drift) and make the game really responsive.
Also start building your playerbase, if this forum is your gateway to new players, may god be with youy you'll need it.