Those conversions are great. I have to admit I am still surprised at how much better one can make plastic conversions look cf. the metal models. They seem to have more 3D, naturalistic poses, and you end up with a unit of individuals, which is fantastic.
I have never included great swords in my Empire army. In fact, I only recently got round to putting bog standard swordsmen in, after years of pretending I hadn't seen the whole TVI argument for their usefulness on the field of battle. Now I might well see if I can come up with a kit bashed unit of my own. (Although I have about 16 projects on hold at the mo', so maybe it'll be a while. )