I am actually all for buffing siege shields or making them 1 slot. I seem to be the only one that uses them. 
I'd love to take 2!
And there is the problem. Nobody uses those "field fortifications", which is really disappointing, as they are a great tactical addition. But I guess that's the reason: using it requires a sense of tactic and teamplay. Nobody uses those items because they don't smash the skulls of your enemies, increasing your kill count and letting your e-peen grow.
I think to motivate some people to bring those items again, we need to do a few things:
- I actually agree that it would be nice having stakes being only 1 slot, just to see more people use it, but I could also accept 2 slots. On the other hand I think siege shields could really be one slot. But having them 3 slots is basically retarded, as literally NOBODY would bring them. But I want to see those battlefield fortifications every round.
- Remove upkeep or lower it considerably. Those people who do have spare slots for those items usually move at the maximum of their upkeep budget, due to heavy Kuyak armour, face helmets and expensive two handed weapons.
- Lower weight. Yes, I think this should be done. The additional weight only affects the beginning of the round, not the middle or the end, where you are fighting and need fotwork, as you place those items at the beginning of a round. Knowing that you might be slower than the rest of your team and represent easier prey for archers and cavalry does not really raise the popularity of those items.
- Perhaps make placing those items raise your score by a few points. I think this is justified in any case, because you contribute something to your team, pay with slots, upkeep and weight, and should get some reward for it, aside from raising the chances for winning the round by a tiny bit.
Regards, Joker, who is still naive enough to think that you could and should put more teamplay in that game.
