the thing with spears and polearms is that the game mechanics doesnt account for the fact that a spearman doesnt have to strike once, strike twice, etc. One can just keep the spear infront of oneself, and if the enemy tries to get closer, they get impaled. However, if one in real life manages to push the spear away and get within range to attack with a short weapon, the spearman can never block or attack again. but then again blocking a sprea thrust is a lot harder than it is in M&B. In real life its not just to hold a sword horisontal in front of ones belly, and then you're immortal from all stab attacks. Imo there should atleast be an upwards block for stabs that are high up, and a down block for the stabs that go to the belly. Dont know if that would be possible, but that would make polearms more balanced.
As a conclusion I guess how spears work now is probably the best.