Didn't have the chance to use KE after the update since I'm with my RM right now.
Right sequence = ?
Energy barage replenishes your counter about half-way. You have the choice of upgrading Spirit Blade with one of two skills. Defending Blade (same as before) or Amplified Blade (You unload all of your counter on contact). The Amplified Blade really sucks. The way the counter works without it, is it always unloads half of your current counter example, one hit at 50 drops to 25, second hit drops to 12 etc. This is great for controlled dps, you also don't have to worry about blowing your load on an enemy who's almost dead.
So instead of spamming spirit blade for example, you load up your damage.
Example: Energy barage, this gets your barrier up as well as your spirit blade counter. Use a fire spell (assuming you have chaotic focus which boosts your damage by using up half of your current barrier) I'd use fire mine, then fade step into said fire mine so the enemy stays there, damaging him in the process while loading up more of your spirit blade, Fade cloak, then spirit blade his ass and unload your counter. This equals murder to the first degree. No matter the enemy.
The build I gave you and the weapon type (Electricity) to use for Energy Barage makes sure you always have at least two elements the damage the enemy, no matter their resistances (also the superb spirit rune helps when slotted in said staff). Spirit Blade is also extremely useful against guard and barriers as well as elemental resistances, even if the guard and barrier damage was nerfed.