[Dedas]

In my experience it really depends on the length of the weapons the shield bearing infantry carries and the length of the enemies weapons. If the shield bearers carries morningstars (length 2) and the enemy carries spears (length 4), the spear carrying infantry will never repelled and always get a second chance (repel check) but the morningstars will always be subjected to a repel check when they attack and never get to repel. Even with high morale (12-14) it is not unlikely they will get repelled when attacking while the spears can just concentrate on directly beating their defence. That is two check for the morningstars to even get through and one for the spears. It should be the other way around for a good defensive unit. Pikes on the other hand (length 6) will beat any other weapon so they are excellent for defence. Missile fire on the other hand... well, then you really want a shield (double parry against missile).