If that's his only reason for wanting a shield, then he can, but it might not be the best use for an attribute point.
The starting shield has no attribute requirement. It's the perfect shield for the Fighter/Scoundrel hybrid look he's after. Shouldn't he be allowed to start his adventure with the equipment he prefers at the start of the game? There is literally no good reason not to allow this.
I want to start with a sword and shield, but the knight's armor graphics (which are the same stats as the warrior's armor graphics). Why can't I just do that? You used to advise people to switch armor choices at character creation when they complained about aesthetics (back when this was possible). It's no longer possible. Why? Why remove functionality?
