I think if 2h didn't have massively superior animations, they would be on a more level playing field. But even with that included, I think polearms and 2h are pretty evenly balanced on the battlefield. Polearms are more useful for support and breaking shields (or just outright damage that they deliver), 2h's are typically better in tight situations, or when you are off to the side and able to get in 1v1 or 1vmany engagements. I think when you have good mobs of people fighting together, 2h's are less valuable, but they are more in their 'zone' when there are more skirmishes happening, and less organization.
When it comes to a straight up duel, I think 2h's are obviously at the advantage, but if you have a weapon like a Long Bardiche (89 speed, 140 length) you can put up a pretty good fight by using the length to your advantage (unless they have a 120 length 2h and can outreach you on some animations). I think a lot of people get lazy when fighting against people with long weapons, they aren't used to people using the max length of their weapons all the time, so you can catch people off guard with the length of some polearms. But I don't think classes should be balanced based on what they do in a 1v1, it's all about battle and teamwork (even if people don't use it).
