Come to think of it, I can't recall any surfaces on any battle maps or strategus sieges that slow you down when you run on them (like castle walls used to do).
Also, it would be ridiculous to import Native balance changes to crpg...for obvious reasons. Kaoklai I don't think crpg encounters ever last "5 minutes" (obviously you are exaggerating for effect). Nor do I think most engagements even last 30 seconds on the battlefield. I'd wager most of the engagements I'm a part of last between 10-20 seconds.
Trying to 1v1 another person in a vacuum (which does happen on the battle server from time to time) can certainly take an extended period of time for two relatively decent players, before one dies. But I don't mind it, they usually seem like good fights.
Having lightning quick animations (fast melee speed) or helicopter spinning while you swing really hurts people with high ping (70+, let alone people trying to play across the pond with 150 ping), and doesn't really do much to increase melee skill for the lower ping players. It's been probably over a year since I've seen a battle round end in a stalemate because neither person could get the killing blow.
