Hoplite is tough to start with as you've concluded.
Most builds are the same way.
Definitely follow the advice, and only use the shield if you're taking heavy ranged fire, or possibly about to dehorse cav. You get longer range, but sacrifice damage and speed while using the shield.
Also, overheads are your friend, if you connect with a lightly armed player's head, the blunt damage is suprisingly good.
You can also stab at the feet and face of players, this is helpful for a few reasons: Feet are usually lightly armored compared to the body, and the head has a damage multiplier. If aimed properly, these stabs will connect with the ground, or usually air, in the case the player dies before your hit lands, saving you from those annoying corpsethroughs.
Some maps are just MADE for a pike though, if it's just going to be a big infantry cluster#$^# and you're not trying to get chadztext with a more useful/less common polearm. So definitely learn to love em all.