Well, I mean in a 1v1 duel. I feel like shields only lasts for so long, and it slows you down... (I hate putting my shield like huscarl on my back to duel, it obscures my vision... anyone else have that problem?) The faster weapon speed is balanced by the lower damage and the 2h's ability to hiltslash... I do like the left to right swing, though a good 2h should already aim for the head instinctively... To me, it just seems 1h does not have an outright advantage, though, I guess that's how it should be? 2h being dominant melee?
Dunno, as 2h, I always thought shielders were the easiest melee class to fight. Haven't been 2h for a while though.