Hey man,
I'm currently close to releasing a new update with some improvements across the board. The parry is something I'm currently looking at as I think the mechanic needs some extra depth. I can also add a stance indicator - I imagine that'd be useful for playing with the mouse controls.
Your comment inspired me to try out a survival mode like you mentioned - that's done now, and it will be in the new update. If you thought the blood looked ridiculous before, imagine what it looks like after 10 fights in a row :)
Thanks for playing.