Instead of holding block waiting for an attack...

you would have to time it with an attack.

so even if you held the block button, your character would only make a quick parry.

It would make combat more intense, threatening and rewarding. It would bring back the fear of walking in the wilderness with low supplies ala morrowind.

hooray!

executions are what I am really happy about.

Yep would be better.

It does say you can shield bash, but not sure if that's a perk or what.