The way I see it, it depends on who you use. For example, with someone unsafe like Kasumi or Phase 4 your left pretty wide open. If your using someone safe, like Kokoro, You could obviously block or hold. When using someone unsafe, you need to be more cautious. That's my penny. Obviously better...
Gosh damn! That combo sounds amazing! I remember I did like a 210+ damage combo wjth Naotora in that stage with the tanks (forgot the name xD) The combo was pretty predictable tho and I can't remember it.