I realize that Cleave is clearly better for PvE, but this is a PvP guide, and as such threat plays no part in it. I mentioned nothing about the heal on CS as it is pretty much garbage, but even that damage is higher than cleave even when feated. I'm questioning the use of CS in PvP, not PvE.
I'm a new GF fighter, but the one thing I do have to ponder is the use of cleave over crushing surge. While I do understand that it's better for AoE damage, it is a very small cone. In my experience, (which is obviously limited) very few people are ever that close together, and if they do end up being that close, at least…