Also, we don't do changes because we want the game to be more realistic. We do changes because we feel they are right. If they fit with realism, that's great, and it's also our guideline, but almost never the reason for a change. We are not trying do create a simulator, we are trying to create a game.
Thats from the great Donkey himself. Most of the things in the OP seem to be an attempt to increase realism, but personally I don't think making things more realistic is always the way to make the gameplay more fun. The funny thing with realism is people are often very selective with which exact parts should be realistic, and can really just want to use it to tweak gameplay to suit themselves. Rarely will someone want something realistic just for the hell of it, its to push the gameplay in a direction they find better (subjectively). Not only that but you then have different perceptions of just what is realistic and what isn't, and which aspects should the player control, or is it assumed the character takes control of that particular skill.
Anyway, cRPG is just a silly team based fighting game for me. We have people running around randomly shouting "Close the Gate!", "Open the Gate!", "For the Dog!", "The Treats!" , its not really intended as a serious game imo. Its not really a medieval simulator. Not saying you can't enjoy it for its realism in some ways, and I get why people want to make it more realistic. Its just not going to happen purely for the sake of making it more realistic. It will have to coincide with improved gameplay (again subjectively)
The main reason melee combat is fun is because it has some basis in realism, but I don't really agree with a lot of the realism based tweaks in the OP. Only thing I really agree with is Halfsword buffs (but keep them pole wpf). I tried a Claymore as halfsword and I did 31 cut swings, (and swing slower than my long bardiche), and had a 117 (or so) length pole stab with 29 pierce. Pretty worthless in every way except for trolling around.
The shields need some forcefield against ranged, but I agree that they are silly in melee combat. This is an instance where its not just unrealistic, its jarringly implausible and looks ridiculous when the shield covers someone's back or even protections a horse from underneath.
I agree with fixing glitches or buggy attacks. Don't agree with nerfing 2 handers though personally