User blog comment:Kogath/Monster Hunter Generations Discussion/@comment-5172919-20160412011501/@comment-5569775-20160413100041

Proper timing can help with the finisher, but yes, it does take too long both for the hits and the lag afterwards.

It's not about damage output but rather damage prevention and even if it couldn't be spammed in quick succession you could tank more than they apparently want us to; which might be why the defensive skills are so hard to get on one set in X. There really aren't that many other nerfs to the Lance other than this, the poorly implemented finisher, the 2 point lower MV for the Horizontal Thrust finisher in Striker and the lack of Evasion +3. At least IMO those are the only nerfs.

Stamina Recovery and Constitution can be worked around via Dash Juice, as much as I hate having to use them personally. Hero's Saftey with Guard +2 and Sharpness +1(or 2 with a 2 slot, +5 Handicraft Talisman and a 2 slot weapon) is doable thanks to Esurient R. But as far as getting those skills or other helpful skills for guard lancers on one set, it is BS.

Personally I'll be going for a mix of offense and defense with Weakness Exploit, Ultra Crit & Guard +2. But it will need either the use of 2 slot Lances or a +6 Guard 3 slot Talisman and it might not look that great.