There's nothing cheap about trapping your opponent into doing what you want. One guy was QQQQQ hardcore so I resolved to beat him using nothing but low punches and throws lol...
I couldn't do it really, but I got him to pretty much be spamming low counter the entire match. Controlling your opponent is a good strategy I think.
I almost never use alpha's charge. I probably should more, but my main friend I practice against can counter it reactively. (no guessing) As such, he won't use a hold unless he sees it coming and you can't change mid-flight so it's pretty much useless against someone aware enough to counter it. I do agree it's pretty cheap against noobs who have no clue how to play except spamming strong attacks over and over. You can hit them 3-4 times before they wake up and realize they maybe should block instead of just attacking.
My favorite win ever was when I slipped in alpha's 20 frame throw. The super slow one where she grabs them and shoots the lazer or whatever... And the LEE used his dragon gunner OH, and of course throws beat OH, so he took like 150 damage and died from half life. I loled, it felt right. XD
I think Alpha/Tengu are rarely ever used, and as such, people do not know HOW to play against them. As such they automatically consider it cheap when they don't know what you're doing.
I played one Hitomi last night, probably 5-6 games. He didn't know how to fight alpha at all, and I beat him many rounds. Eventually he learned her only good launcher is a mid kick. (At least I spam 3
+
to launch usually.) After this, and a very well played round on his part, he beat me. I do think that as people learn alpha more, there will be less QQ, but then again, who knows. I had one guy intentionally DC (I think?) after I destroyed him one round.... TWICE.