You guys are funny...
what amazes me is that NO-ONE yet mentioned tincans with shield and sword...cmon, we are seeing even those on servers quite a lot (at least on EU i encounter swordboarders with transitional, sometimes even better). The thing is, every single spec has the option to play with full plate, the fact you dont do it does not mean it is overpowered.
Yesterday i pulled out my tripple heirloomed gothic with bevor and had quite a good score on some maps, bare on mind i use that occasionally, mostly running around in something softer. Not to speak that with the pierce bow i got shot for half HP with ONE arrow, in tripple loomed plate, bodyshot...
To all complaining about tincans, i got this short guide:
1) buy plate armor
2) wear it
3) get blamed for no skill
And i dare you to call lets say Georges noob, he is running round with flamberge and plate, and damn, everytime i see him i got shivers :-D
From my point of view (played like 8gens 2her, one gen shielder, cav and archer, so i have small overview), swordboarders whining about 2hers should really l2p. Yes, there are some weapons designed for shieldcrushing, but cmon, what you expect when a huge axe hits your wooden shield?
The only thing that concerns me is the fact polearms seem to have slightly higher dmg than 2hers, in many cases higher speed even, the stun and range outreaching 2hers (not taking flamberge as usual 2her). Why is that? Why faster, more dmging, longer at the same time?
One comparision: GLA vs Masterwork Highland Claymore, claymore has 2 more speed, less range, same dmg as not loomed GLA...at least swing one + bonus against shield. I did not see reasoning of nerfing sword dmg, but the more i cannot understand what made the dev let polearms as they are now.
Some combination of gear and weaponry will always look over the edge, but afterall its all about learning how to counter different people/playstyle/gear setup.