So maybe i'm ignorant here since I don't have the Catalyst. But I don't see how your statements make the Catalyst useless. The blocking issue sounds like you just want the best of both worlds without a downside. Blocking cannot be free or swords would ruin crucible. Second i'm pretty sure counter attack has always existed. I don't see how counter attack makes the Catalyst useless. Both have the same functionality sure. But do they boost the damage by the same amount? And even if they did you're capable of doing the heavy at range. That's a big benefit.