Dude you really have something here. There is just like, one tiny missing mechanic, that I don't know what it is, that could possibly take it to the next level. Maybe like a slight parry or push-reversal, nothing crazy but ONE more tool for both players could upgrade this.
Seriously I can't stop playing this! it's excellent.
I noticed it, it's not a whole lot faster than a regular attack which admittedly could be far more useful against a human than the AI, since mind-games are what wins in games like these. I've been using the push and the dash in combination a lot, but my point is that even when one player is blocking a ton and missing strikes (and therefor getting fatigued according to description,) a counter attack doesn't do much against an enemy that just blocks it anyway lol.
Although I'm certain I'll be spending many many more hours exploring this
You can also actually pull them behind you with back+shove, so you can go in a corner and then switch places with them to trap them there, then maybe use the fatigue system to make them slower. The dodge button also works differently depending on up/down direction, it's like a block that protects you from 2 directions of attack in one stance, If you want some next level shenanigans.
I don't play against the AI, though, so I don't have much input regarding that.