Thanks for the comment! I have considered 8 directions but that would come down the line after I finish all animations I have currently planned.
We are currently working on Custom Animations (so you will be able to edit the Memao sprites and extend your creator to have new animations). Ex: Replace the arms from on idles/walks with arms you draw or take from a different animation (last frame of Strike could work for side hip carry). Ax frames definitely could work for a sword attack as well. I bet for jump Run frames 1-3 and Pick up frame 1 for the landing could work. Seems like walk back frame 3 and 6 could work for climb if you replace the arms!
That said, I am currently working on the Battle Animations 1 update, all of the animations are completed, I just need to finish all of the customizations for the update. This includes a sword slash animation (horizontal ) and I am hoping to have it all done this month. When I do Battle Animations 2, that will have Bow/Arrow and Magic attacks and I can add a side hip weapon to the line up. Jump and Climb are planned for an adventure update. Though of course all of these will take some time, so hopefully the custom animation update will give you what you need in the meantime!