Faster overheads leave less time to adjust, which will mainly only worsen the problem of not being able to hit sidestepping players. Most overheads are not done with perfect aim at the start of the animation. I don't see how this is a more desirable change then the removal or reduction of the turn speed nerf.
I suggest a third option : nerfing the acceleration on sidesteps. The top speed is fine, but the fact that you can instantly reach it is retarded considering the game is supposed to represent humans.
This is not at all the case, perhaps only for naked 1h without shield. Nerfing the acceleration would be the last straw and would kill the combat system forever. You wouldnt be able to avoid kicks, fight multiple enemies or generally use footwork. I don't believe you would actually want that.
The only reason overheads seem slow is because everyone turns into their sideswings now, effectively rendering the "speed" stat meaningless. In fact, the main reason 2h is so immensely popular is that you can perform this hiltslash maneuver on both sideswing directions, whereas 1h can only do it on left swings and pole can only do it on right swings (otherwise you glance).
They should severely reduce the damage early in all swing animations, but increase the overall combat speed. This is both more realistic and puts an end to these stupid squaredance fights that are all you see now. This would make overheads more common as well.
Seems the concept of a 'hiltslash' is widening everyday. A proper hiltslash can only be done with a left then right swing combo, with both polearms and 2h. You can occasionally spam with other combinations, but that is not really a hiltslash as much as bad footwork on your opponents part. Longswords are retarded when it comes to hiltslashing though.