I understand for sprite reworking as many times before I had to do that and was a pain, I'm fine with different internals as such.
As for parrying I believe you could maybe give damage boost/guaranteed crits/speed boost/etc, that would give it a lot more uses for offensive abilities, I would also say that you could reduce the parry active frames to make it more challenging but also more rewarding.
And finally, don't stress yourself out, I hope you the best