TL;DR
1h+shield: Easy to learn, hard to master
2h+pole: medium to learn, not so hard to master
Archers: (because i need one cheap comment in this thread) Easy mode
I like that fact that my arguments are called weak. How are they different from your own? I explained my reasons with my experience (played cRPG for a year) and having played through all classes.
If people can show me a screen shots with them self doing significantly better with two-handers over 1handers with shield, I will start to believe you. Until then I will believe my own eyes.
Honestly, the way the main accusers of this thread behaves, makes me think they are small children unable to adapt towards different opponents.
In short L2P!!!!!!!
2h/pole: focus on manual block, dodge ranged, footwork to not be circled and ganked, timed attacks to defeat those "hardmode" steel shielders...
in one word? EASYMODE.
sword and board: manual block... why?! RMB. ranged! dodge? naah RMB. footwork! nah... steel shield + RMB. archers left and right! huscarl shield + RMB.
this is real HARDMODE.
I disagree somewhat here, and this might be the main reason 1handers whine. If they play like you describe they will never top the board.
As a good onehander you need as much footwork, as much awareness etc. Why?
a) You do have an autoblock, but only for a limited time and it works best against arrows what not. In truth when against a skilled no shielder, he is as good to block as your shield, which means you must feint and dance like any other player.
b) If the opponenet have any weapon that is effective against a shield, you are better of removing it and start blocking yourself.
c) A slow shield is only good if you kite enemies into friends. A faster shield lets you strike even faster than enemies.
to sum up:
As a onehnder dance dance dance. Feint feint feint. Try to get behind your oppenent, get him to strike at you and miss, and hit him afterwards. Don't be afraid not to use your shield etc. etc.
Some of the most funny moments I have had as a shielder, was when my 2h opponenet got sloppy because he thought I could only defend iwth my rmb. Friends stopped follwing him, and suddenly he was alone against me with no shield. I started blocking and him and his friends died.
Do not expect the shield to make you insta good against a skilled player.
Oh and final argument that "top players play 2h because they are stronger". Sry, but no. You will see in strat and clan battles that an equal amount of top players use different classes.