Susa needs to unlock specific tools immediately/ASAP. Going full combo mode with random unlocks doesn't work for him. He may get only one chance to unlock what is needed. Sure you have to improvise if that situation happens, but if you get the chance to unlock the goods, do so. Example: doing a full combo and unlocking a skill at random then losing momentum and now you're being pressured without having access to the proper tool/s (or even taken back to a neutral position). You've might've taken a lot of stamina off of them, but now you're in a position where you can't do such a thing. A smart opponent doesn't want you unlocking skills that deal with his/hers, so they like when we just go into flow-chart mode. Susa HAS to sacrifice damage to build himself up properly. That is why they gave him a drive attack in every position. You may only get a 2 or 3-hit combo, but if it unlocks Towering Flame or Blade of Justice, it's worth it. It's another thing if you know you can kill your opponent with a combo. If that's so, then do it. Susa is going to have to make a lot of decisions like that.