Personally, I use the lances and shields, but I guess it depends on who you're up against. Some heavily armored army, like WoC or Dwarfs, it might be more useful to use Halberdiers. If you are facing Night Goblins or Tomb Kings, then there's not much point in the extra strength. As a rule, if I don't know my opponent, then I will go with lances and shields as an extra precaution.