bounce or not is no prob, i can confirm with you it can be broken using slashing weapons. so ur switch axe can be used.

heck if you switch to sword mode it shouldnt bounce.

good luck completing the armor

one thing i realized, switch axe is so much more fun to use

but gs is still better for multiple monsters. i completed all guild hall monster marathon quests solo btw. not worth the effort coz it only unlocks one final monster marathon quest....

nothing is ported over from old saves. everyone starts from nothing in mhp3

however theres a few bonus things that u may get for importing an old save

on the patch i know nothing

high rank= enemies got new attacks
if got 2 monsters and u dont want such a bother, throw dung at one of them and they will leave.

not all of the quests require you to fight 2 monsters at the same time.

evade distance +3 = 30 points