I went Espada back in the day when everyone was a tin can or an archer. I figured I needed a lot of pierce for cans and a quick slash for archers. Then I stopped playing for a long time but found it hard to give up. As much as I love thrusting things into people, I definitely noticed the glance effect. I still use it in battle, but now use Broad battle axe in siege. I know you don't give a damn about non-swords, but I do! Short is good there, and you can switch to pierce, as I never got over my fear of tincans. Also its good for smashing doors.