Oh, yes, I can see your point. People have different play styles and different weapons may compliment those play styles better than others. I still stand by my claim though.
You are right in stating the steel pick does have one disadvantage, and that is length. I'll discuss this disadvantage more in a bit. However, I think its advantages far outweigh this disadvantage. When I look at a weapon and how good it is, I of course consider its length, speed, and damage. Some weapons also have special characteristics (like shield breaker) but it is usually these three that are most important. The pick does the more damage than any other 1h weapon. It is the king in that department. Also, in terms of speed, it is among the fastest. It also has a certain "x factor" going for it. Because of its size, shape, and speed, it can be hard to see and therefore hard to block. All of these aspects taken together DO make it a specialist weapon...its perfect for those that want to specialize in killing.
It is short, but it is vicious, lethal, and merciless. I like 1h swords too, especially the faster swords (Italian and Nordic War sword). They can be quite effective weapons and the length allows you to attack more often and earlier, depending on your style. The damage though, compared to the steel pick, is lacking. Nothing drops your enemy as fast as a loomed +3 deadly steel pick in terms of 1h weapons.
However, my claim is not that the steel pick is the best 1h weapon...but that it is the best weapon in the game. This is naturally because the best weapon in the game would be a weapon that leaves one hand free for a shield. A shield is a huge advantage, so any weapon that does not allow this has a strike counted against it. Shields block ranged attacks and allow you to face multiple opponents with relative ease. They also help immensely when you are using a shorter weapon. Using a shorter weapon means that your enemy will be able to strike you before you can strike them. Having a sturdy shield effectively negates this advantage. You are able to march up to an enemy with immunity, no matter how many times they feint or spam. In addition, the disadvantage of shortness can be turned in to an advantage if you are fighting in a closed space or when you face-hug you opponent who is not used to fighting so close. The closeness can mean your attacks are partially masked by their player model and harder to block. It can also mean that their longer weapon (a long 2h or pole) is not as effective. So, what I mean is, the one disadvantage of the pick (short length) can in some instances effectively take advantage of your opponents weaknesses.
For strat battles, I agree that the steel pick is not the best except perhaps in sieges. The "shield wall" environment of strat battles does is not the best place for an extra short weapon. There are some weapons that are better than the steel pick in some areas of the game....but when considering which weapon is the best, fastest, most deadly weapon in the greatest variety of situations, I think the steel pick takes the prize!
