And how is that different from having them look from semi decent to super high quality material wise without making the use of gold and ornaments.
Anyhow, no point in arguing over taste i guess.
As long as these stay optional i'm good.
Well, you implied the German Poleaxe was to your taste. In my opinion, it hardly looks different than an unloomed one, and I'm not really able to distinguish them on the field.
Also, better materials don't make a lot of sense. Steel is steel. The different hues of gray are a bad indicator for weapon prowess.
But you are right, it's optional, so you are free to not use it, if you don't like it.