If I recall correctly, wasn't there more than one beginning Attack animation to begin with (as in the Live Server Combat Build), such as body tackles, slide tackles, and others in addition to the classic "punch to the side of the head"? They should be brought back for variance.
And I also hardly-- I don't think ever-- see these Beginning Attacks blocked in CR 2.0 anymore-- does anyone? (For example: your opponent's first move when the fight starts is to tackle you, but you stop him short with a swift kick to his chest, damaging him and saving you from his first strike--- do you see this kind of thing anymore?)