I guess we disagree about many things AirPhforce
To get the most out of str build you really need heavy armour. Like you mentioned everyone is wearing less armour right now, that includes str people. True you can kill most people with 1 shot. But even with extra IF you will get taken out in 2 or 3 by a high agility guy because you are also wearing less armour. Each IF gives you only 2 health points, the extra IF in my opinion is not worth the wpf sacrifice, good heavy armour would magnify that advantage so it would be worth it. But right now, equipped in low tier armour a small handful of health points ain't worth it.
If I was a betting man in a 1 vs 1 between a high str guy and a high agility of the same skill, I would put money on the high agility guy.
What I agree with you on is that currently the best weapon for an str build are crushthrough weapons.
The Balance build will do fine post patch. But I think agility guys have the edge. Why? Speed Kills and Money. Again because of the low level of armour in the game speed is becoming crucial. Crpg is becoming about who slices who first, who is faster on the draw. Everyone goes down in about 2 to 3 hits, what is becoming crucial is who slices who first. The key to high agility and making it work is good timing and blocking. If you got those why would you go with a slower more cumbersome build. The extra PS is not going to be that useful, you don't need it in a lightly armoured world. What you will need is speed.
Besides most players playing balance characters will go for the most expansive armour they can afford to upkeep, barely scratching by. While the high agility guy is most likely only wearing cloth armour or something close to it and using a Katana, they are currently piling up money. What will they do with all that extra cash? X-bows, Horses, throwing, maybe even heavier armour or expansive gloves?
No argument here. --> Wow we actually agree on something.
So much has been said about this, it would be like whipping a dead horse.
Do you really need to ask.
You are doing it wrong. Try a Heater Shield and a Side Sword. To be a good 1 hand + board guy you need a mix of knowing when to be patient and when to be very agressive. Takes time to learn, watch Balb or Man of War both of them are very good at that.
Not as many as before.
What game are you playing. Spam is much more alive now then ever. Especially in a world where everyone dies in about 2 to 3 hits. You no longer have to fight people you can just spam them away.