If something works in a wrong way, then you have to change it; if people complaints about, then you have to change it; if you find a better way to do the same, then you have to change it...
But if this system works really well, no one complaints, and nobody ask about it, then it looks like they think this new system is better; maybe the only way to balance the new game mechanics is to attach the GI to the gauge bar and give invincible properties to THROWS and CRITICAL EDGES... no GI can stop this; no guard can stop this; now try to combine a CE that is also a throw after a GI... free guaranteed damage.