I still really like the "front rank always strikes" rule for Halberdiers, as somebody put it, "the doughty halberdier steps over his fallen comrades." Based on Imperial discipline instead of the weapon's rule, so we don't have to share!
* The problem I see with 2 ranks is that Halberds then just become improved spearmen, and the question becomes "does the enemy have S3 or S4?" They're still defensive troops. FRAS is, too, but it's a type of defense that recognizes that the halberdiers only chance lies in actually harming the enemy.
And Pikes should be a Defended Obstacle (from the front, just like the ranks rule). Four ranks isn't terribly impressive and certainly doesn't scare heavy cav. But losing their lances in the first round...that might (or, for Brets, their whole formation!). Bretonnian archers already have it, so we aren't creating a new rule. 8 pts/model.
I like the free shield for spearmen, though. That or put swords back at 7pts, where they belong.
