AXIS posted in a different thread that Lambda was a reactionary character. From my experience, I agree with him, though I try to avoid relying on my drive moves for hitconfirming combos, simply because a whiffed sword is really bad. 6D/2D make very good anti air, and will usually hit (or make them block) when you're predicting your opponent. At one time I made CPU hakumen too afraid to airdash in because of those moves, and the CPU wasn't smart enough to think of any other options.
Hazama uses his drive to get around and get in (a little like Tao in that respect) and deal damage with mostly close range combos. Lambda's C and D moves hit pretty far, so she can stay a little further away during a combo than can most other characters.
Hope this helped. I can't really think of anything else right now.