With that logic the Danish Greatsword would have the same problem.
Swords have far more balanced weight distrubution than axes,cleavers,mauls,maces therefore they are much easier to control while fighting.I really don't understand how can you compare a sword with an axe for this matter.
To swing axes,cleavers,mauls,maces or morningstars with control,you have to hold it closer to its metal part like polearm animation. If you direct your force closer to an objects center of mass , you can control it better.That's why poleaxes are balanced to use and that's also reason of their reach loss.Check Long Voulge you'll see that character is holding it closer to end of the stick compared to other polearms which makes this weapon unbalanced but also very very damn long.
If you hold a Great Long Axe with 2h animation, it'll be unbalanced.If it's possible adding an implement which gives feature to switch between 2h or polearm animation on battlefield for polearms and 2handers would be great.
If a horse charging me with lance,why would i hold my poleaxe from the middle of the stick , i don't need a balanced swing at that moment,i would hold it from the end of the stick (Like 2h animation)and stab the rider,same thing goes for 2handers,if you want balanced fight, you could switch to polearm animation and lose some reach while getting rid of "unbalanced".