Although very few including myself would recommend it due to the cost, you can use HD to make your specials safe if you HDC with a super that is safe on block since you can't HDC into another special on block.
If you're leaning towards staying away from HD mode, there's always good material on the 50% thread for maximum dmg outside of HD.
If longer HD combos are proving difficult you can also go the shortest route with a great deal of ease on the execution side by going normal > cmd normal > HD bypass special > HDC super > HDC neomax for a healthy chunk of dmg.
This is better than you think depending on the character.
For example with Ryo:
j.D, s.D, f.B, [HDB]hcb+BCD, dp+C, [HDC]qcf~hcb+C, [MC]qcfx2+AC = 865 (anywhere at 4 stock)
Iori:
j.C, s.C, df.C, [HDB]dp+BC, qcf~hcb+P, [MC]qcfx2+BD = 823 (near corner 3 stock)