I think it would be more realistic, and hilarious, if there was a chance to fall over while attempting to kick, based on either:
A: the amount of armor your wearing, - have you ever attempted to kick someone effectively in heavy armor? I havent, but, i'm pretty sure, that might be a really bad idea... Ive tried to kick while carrying large armfuls of weight, in chainmail, and even with that kind of encumberance change, its generally a bad idea. Also, medieval fighters DIDNT have high grip shoes... lets be honest.
B: have you ever tried to kick someone immediately after backpedaling? on a hill? Both are very risky.
C. Or maybe a chance to fall over, based on how low one's wp or ag stat is or something, or even factored in with the above.
All just ideas. Blow holes in em if you want, just thinking outloud.
The reason I bring this up again, is because its such a free shot right now, I mean, if shield bash was more effective, things might be a little more even in this regard, and yes, i speak as a shielder, but man, kick is deadly to a shielder, and as mentioned earlier, very little risk at all against one (a shielder), and nearly uncounterable, in alot of situations, especially, if you dont have great ping, and are getting the info on screen a little later than your opponent. -atleast it seems that way.
Sorry if this seems like I'm digging up an old post, but I still think its a relevant conversation, tbh.