I don't have a problem with the barmace by its stats. OK, a bit long, a bit powerful, but in a duel, I can handle it no problem because of its speed.
The problem is, it looks too much like a 2H sword (like a cleaver for example). I often find myself in a somewhat larger battle, blocking, hitting back, etc. And then comes a bar mace, and I press block, just like against all the other swordsmen, and BANG crushthrough.
I don't think there's anything that could be done with it or something. Guess I just jumped on the whinewagon for a ride.