Just throwing my 2 cents in here:
I've never viewed parry as something thats reliable. However, just like critical hits, I appreciate seeing the surprise damage reduction. I understand that it's at a flat 20% reduced (maybe they can tweak parry to have an increase in dmg reduction based on your determination), but I don't count on my parries just the same as I don't count on my critical hits.
What I don't understand is why people feel parry should be this stat that they not only have control over but also should be a stat that you stack (like ppl stacking massive crit just for that 2% chance increase). Start viewing parries as defensive critical hits and I bet view points will start to change.