whirling defense vs escape

how does escape deserve its elite status?

is evade much better then 'block'?

the time of escape is lower then w.d., and w.d. can do some small damage to boot. the percentage is both 75%.

please explain.

Whirling Defense is more situational (they only take 10 damage if you get hit by arrows). Escape lets you run faster...

Still don't see why it should be an elite though