Well I like Warband for its realism and not implementing any manga wizards (if not to mention one guy on a flying carpet).
Ofc balance issues are sometimes acceptable, but some obvious "weirdnessesses" are too idiotical to live on (heavy lance with worst damage than normal one or guys thrusting you with a 3 m long pike while standing 50 cm away from you or the cutting power of axe's handle etc.). It just ruins my pleasure.
The punching force of shield nudge can be balanced by using both characters (+ equipment) weight * their strength * speed vectors as factors.
Then strong heavily armed man running fast would punch back a standing still lady in a woolen dress (if not to say "agi w****"
) and not vice versa.