Well you could argue that you should spend LR (or first play through in the case of LoP) to learn the mechanics and then utilize those skills in HR (or in new game), but I see your point. And I do enjoy my big ass glaive, but as mentioned I will look into the other weapons in my next play through. There are some pretty nifty looking ones I must admit.
And fought the green swamp monster boss. Loved the design, but first time around I didn't keep an eye on my durability, so my weapon broke mid second phase. I didn't carry a secondary weapon so it impaled me and did unspeakable things to me :( Second time around I got it though!