Okay, I have reasons why I didn't mention either of those.
First one is completely pointless. If you're playing at a high enough level, 2-3 d.B's is more than enough to confirm, and the damage gained for doing 4 is worthless.
Second one, first off, there isn't any terrible reason to do d.B into the Target Combo. I had done that at the start of playing Kensou when Console XIII first came out, but then I came upon a realization. It made you miss your follow up link half the time unless as you say, you were hugging on them. Kensou has a hard enough time with his stubby limbs, don't make his life harder. If you're going to use his TC, always START with the TC.
Secondly, from what I can tell, TC into st.D is about a one-frame link. There's a reason why Shen players don't use their d.B, d.C one-frame link even though it helps out the absolute weakest aspect of his game (his low game if you weren't certain). IT'S TOO UNRELIABLE. Kensou doesn't need the one-frame link for the decent increase in damage, especially when going into Rekkas. Kensou is momentum based and should be using what he has to keep the momentum. Putting too much fluff or unnecessary links and such into his combos only adds more opportunities for you to lose your own momentum.
Now, if you can reliably confirm TC into st.D, then yeah go for it, but I'd suggest using that to go into his DP's since obviously the damage is more important to you.