Your poll is a push poll and thus useless, you compare one specific instance (heavy kite vs great maul) or a statement on all shields (all shields should be lighter). Fix your poll unless your a fan of Fox news style "fair and balanced".
Beyond that, as a shielder i don't see the problem at all. I have never felt the weight of shields was unfair as it isn't a realism issue, it's a balance issue. Shields do require technique to be used properly but they are an amazing defensive tool, and as such should come with some drawbacks. Add in the fact that 2handed weapons have a multiplier that adds to their weight penalty to athletics while shields and 1handers don't and you'll see why there is no problem in the current system at all.
That great maul is listed at 8 weight but counts for well more in terms of penalty to movement speed.
The more you know.