I wrote a big Jago guide post recently that people seemed to appreciate, which seems to be on-topic, so check that out if you want.
I don’t really think it’s so much about “faking it”, so much as having an idea of the core mind game in each situation (e.g. poke/block/advance in neutral, attack/block/fhrow in pressure/oki situations), as well as at least a basic option of each “kind” that you can use to participate in that mind game against opponents at your skill level. As you get better (and get matched against better opponents) you’ll find that the basic option you’re leaning on gets you into trouble, or that you otherwise need to find something more advanced that’ll give you more openings or damage or breathing room or something. The Jago post I wrote tries to fill in those basic options in each situation, as well as offering some more intermediate and advanced tools to chew on in places.
I could probably write a similar post for Riptor and maybe a few other characters.
I’m not so sure about this. Run-forward HP is -3 on block, shoulder charge is +11 into predator stance, even run-forward HK is -2 (!!) I think. I actually think Riptor has a great approach, it’s kinda reminiscent of TJ’s powerline options.
Actually, I think playing runaway is probably a good strategy against Hisako, and really against any character that can’t put a projectile on the screen. It allows Riptor to impose the run-forward mixup on Hisako, which I think is pretty powerful. The big problem with playing runaway is if you’re facing a Fulgore, Glacius, Kan-Ra, Gargos, even Jago, basically any character who is going to obstruct your path back in: since Riptor has a long hurtbox and average walk speed and a big dopey run instead of quick forward dashes she has a tough time making the nuanced movements needed to claw back that space against a zoner.