You come up with 99% good and useful suggestions bro.....this time, I have to say, you are wrong.
1h swords are balanced, you get tools for every job. Their purpose is reflected by their stats quite well.
31 pierce on mw is unmatched by mostly anything.
30 cut still is enough to finish everybody who got stabbed once.
I am not even starting with the speedbonus + headhit. When ever this kicks in, the espada will maybe one hit.
In case u add more swingdmg, u ll create the next sidesword (prenerf)...and thats surely not necessary.
1h stab is tricky, yet so powerful.
Imo the animations cons are its biggest pros at the same time....
Espada is an experts weapon,
1h noshield is the hardest for melee....so what do u expect? :-)
Ps:
Play it for 10 or 15 more hours and u ll love it, even with its cons :-) :-)