Yep, arhcers are supposed to keep 2 handers in check. You can still take a low or no req shield as a 2 hander, but you shouldnt be able to run around so freely without a shield.
No, melee is supposed to keep 2 handers in check. Polearm, 1h, other two handers. Don't make it like 2 should be ultimate melee cause they have no shield. No. Shield protect a little against ranged, but should only help, not be the only anti-ranged thing.
In 1vs1 all melee classes should have equal chances. Now it's 2h domination thanks to ultra fast speed, damage and range. Great Swords were never dueling weapons, as they sucked in duels. In the game they are (thanks to stupid mechanic that let you chamber your attack, and with longer range they have opportunity to hold the chambered weapon and punish people with shorter weapon when they want to chamber their weapon. thanks to great damage they can turn into swing more that makes their attack faster).
On my 2H'er, I hunt and kill 1h Shielders. On my 1H shielder, I hunt and kill Archers. On my Archer, I hunt and kill Cavalry and Archers and 2H'ers.
It's called balance. It involves more than 2 factors though, so you might find yourself overly confused by that concept.
It's not balance. It's shitty rock-paper-scissor gameplay that is not fun regardless of outcome.
It's one-shot-kill in real life.
Bullshit.
