FASA Games, Inc.

i would like to ask than in 4th edition, how does the defensive and the offensive combat stance interact with avoid blow?

it was an optional rule in 3rd ed that in defensive, the -3 penalty doesnt apply. is it optional still?

And i always found it strange, that the agressive stance doesnt imply a penalty.

The lower Phys Defense means your are burning Strain more often dodging if you have Avoid Blow. I think that's an acceptable trade-off.

ED4 Defensive Stance penalty: "The character suffers a –3 penalty to his tests that round, except for Knockdown tests. At the gamemaster’s discretion, this penalty may also be waived for defensive actions, like Avoid Blow tests."

agressive stance - gives you +3 to Attack and Damage, but also -3 to phisical and spell defense.