[NoemiChan]

From the another SAO thread

Spoiler for Commentary on the Kirito versus Absolute Sword Fight:

I still doubt that Kirito was at his best since the fight is not a life or death situation... Remember that people then to be desperate and would fight better at the edge of death. Think of the Boss fights and with Kayaba...

Absolute Sword was never in that situations.... She maybe skilled but she lacks the experience that only a SAO could forced you to have... The fear and death...

Besides, Kirito knew Absolute Swords real intention and that is holding back and why she had to defeat him...

Originally Posted by Kazu-kun

But that counts for her too. A life or death situation would put both at the edge so it would be a totally different fight not only for Kirito but also for her.

So you can't use this argument to suggest Kirito wasn't giving his all. He was at his best for that particular situation, just like her.

Spoiler for Reply:

Sorry... I forgot its an instant death situation and he has Asuna's life as part of the that consequence .. if he dies, she dies... That's twice more reason to fight more...

I think its valid...

He wasn't using Dual Wielding... Sure he may have thought it won't work but ....he should have just did it... if he was serious... Was he serious? If one is serious he'll use every card he has to give. Nah... he would not be smiling either....