I've only played a few 3D fighters. But this seems to be the case with them online. This game especially because you have to hold after the first hit or their mash turns into a natural string that may launch or bounce you. Counter hit or not, since you can't block after getting touched, for the most part. DoA just has a super high reward for mashing out at mid and low level play.
Hmmm, I don't know. I think Tekken & SC both turn into mash the buttons faster when it comes to online connections. But at the same time, it shouldn't matter. If people are mashing out to attack first chances are you can punish them anyway. People who mash aren't exactly the most careful people.