the following is not backed by sources because i am lazy.
the strength of poleaxes and halberds were not mainly in 1v1 combat. Their strength came from their numbers. A large amount of these gives a boon towards a large group of zweihanders or the like simply because with so many there is no room to maneuver. In 1v1 im sure a sword user has some advantages towards these kind of weapons.
Could be. Personally I think that making the thrust more important on the polearms creates the same fighting style in 1v1 as people do now with the warspear. The swingdamage is poor and only used to set up for the thrust attack. This is kinda obvious and creates an inherent disadvantage in 1v1 combat compared to the 3 main attacks (sideswings+overhead) from 2h's.
I reckon this will put 2h's at an advantage in 1v1 vs polearms.
*note* If you didn't read the OP, this is still a debate on possible changes after WSE implementation and some changes to polearms/hitboxes and stuff.
really? i remember learning in history class that zweihanders were used to break polearms, since most of them were made out of wood. (i know, hard strong wood, but it ain't steel)
Not halberds and the like, just to chop the pointy ends of pikes.