One thing I've noticed while going into the game is that melee is becoming really really weak compared to mage spells. Even the melee attacks of my summoned elementals are something to laugh at.
45% chance my elementals can melee attack something. My battlemage is at around 65-75% and doing weak damage. For him I don't even use melee any more unless an opponent is knocked down. I've got 7 Intelligence on him and 11 strength. Even with the penalties from having low Intel, my magic attacks are far superior to any of my melee attacks.
I've also got 5 blacksmithing and using my swords and axes on a wetstone.
