Part of the problem is that the article doesn't specify Jian; rather it says "medium-sized weapons such as the straight sword".

And a basket-hilted straight sword has very strong defense. Furthermore the extra hooks and points on tiger hooks, although they can be advantageous, could also be used against the wielder if facing a skilled enough swordsman.

The reason, in my opinion, that weapons like the tiger hooks remained peripheral is that for all their exotic flair they lack some of the practicality and applicability of simpler designs.

Such as the straight sword, the sabre and the spear.