As long as they change the blocking mechanic to something other than 360 degrees then I agree to the above comment. If you want to attack while holding up your shield, seems reasonable as I'm sure history can prove you can block and attack at the same time (just not behind you for obvious reasons). Also, there are a few (very few) skills that work through block (Mass Hysteria for one), which is the only way I'm able to kill DK's. Without being able to fear through block, I'd have zero chance.

270 is better than 180. Why? I think the only ones that would want 180 block degrees are DDs that are wanting easy kills. Also blockcasting as @Jaxom said can be found in history. Maybe increasing effectivenes of a cast time skills would be a solution. E.g. It could go through block, and only way to defend against casted skill is to interrupt it or dodge roll it. Or another way. Like in cRPGs fully charged heavy attack throws back someones shield and opens him for attacks. Or another way. Make some skills to be blockbreakers e.g. When sucha skill is used on someone that doesnt block it just deals small amount of damage at high cost (just to not spam it and be careful when using it) but when used on someones who blocks it would make him offbalance and deal some serious damage.

@Merlin13KAGL xD didnt saw that haha I was writing from my phone xD