Turning a blind eye to the obvious fact that OUR ATTACK SPEEDS ARE ON PAR WITH EVERY OTHER CLASS AND OUR DEFENSE GREATER THAN ANY OTHER CLASS.
Shields:
+ make it easier to defend one's front
+ stop arrows, throwing weapons, and most bolts coming from certain directions
+ a sense of confidence
- require shield skill points
- cost money
- are heavy
- break, making them useful for a limited time in each battle
-- a breaking shield can momentarily stun the one holding it
-- once the shield is broken, the player is most often left with a one-handed weapon - a relative handicap in most hand-to-hand situations
- limit the player to only attacking with one handed weapons, stabbing spears, and throwing weapons
-- one handed weapons are shorter, do less damage, and are often slower than their statistical attack speed because of the shield
They're not overpowered or underpowered. They're just a reliable choice for any player who wants to invest in their benefits, that's all. I originally switched to a sword and board because I got sick of Kesh turning me into a pin cushion pre-patch.