So, would this be a fair assumption:
1. Blocking is simply to absorb damage and is straightforward but doesn't really do anything but stop incoming damage.
2. Parrying is trickier (requiring timing) and block much less but can be used to give you more effective subsequent attacks?

If this is the case I suppose its a choice. The parrying seems more appealing but I am not really good at timing so maybe blocking is better for me.