Another example of theory vs practice. Axe or maul? Don't be ridiculous. They do work if you manage to hit a single shielder 4-5 times, and what is left after the shield breaks? A class that many play today, a "swashbuckler" with full hp. Also, you can't really concentrate only on one shielder when your whole team starts retreating and shielders gank those who keep fighting. Shield in masses is very OP, it is not even that much of teamplaying, it is just moving together and breaking enemy line of defense.
For example, I don't see a team consisted of 1h & hoplite shielders losing vs whole team of "insert any class here".
So from what you're saying...this is how fights go where you play:
A team of shielders stands in a line, hits RMB and moves forward. Your team screams, "They have hoplites and we don't know how to block down!" D:
Your team runs away, leaving you to get beat down by 50 shielders.
Sounds more like fail teamplay on your side. Also, I never knew that a swashbuckler was a fearsome opponent. I know their short reach, low damage and susceptibility to stuns is a huge advantage and all, but still.
All the classes are pretty balanced. Your idea that shielders are like some rampaging Mongol horde is not only ridiculous...but kind of odd.
