pole arm, @ handers are cry babies
Edit to go with your edit: I'd say Pole are a great choice if you are more into being an effective battle/support player, and 2 hander if you enjoy being able to fight in battle with a more individual sort of style with a quicker fluid duelist combat dynamic. Poles may be more versatile, but 2 handers still do very well in battle with the right set up. Also, being that you are trying to learn the ropes of the game, 2 hander is very friendly to newer players trying to get the hang of things. 2 handers also don't get stuck on walls or other objects nearly as much as polearms and in general are just easier to use in general. You wont be getting very many shield bonuses, but it's really not that big of a deal.