There is a lot of hate for shield, but there are some solid offensive options for it, like the shield toss, and reactive armor. I charge in a sword and board character, keeping all my squishies on the outer rims of the battle. Obviously 2 hander will do more damage. Unless you are super-cheesing the game though, there is something to be said for durability on tactician.
Shield toss is strong yeah. And that's it I guess. Meanwhile you can use Overpower as a 2h warrior.
The thing is : you can't keep your squishies "on the outer rims of the battle" realistically speaking, because enemies will just run past your s&b tank. He will try to *attack of opportunity* them, saying "please notice me senpai", he will even try to use his taunt.
But their armor will laugh at this taunt (because in this game, a taunt just bounce off physical armor, magic you know), and they will respond "nah, better focus your glass cannon over there"
Exemple : I'm playing dual lone wolf 2h+ranger. And if my warrior is near my ranger, they WILL focus the ranger. Other archers will shoot him, most of the time. Because AI can detect who has the weakest defense I guess. Fucking psychic AI.
In the end, except for bouncing shield, a shield is pretty shitty. Even more fun : bouncing shield will be as good on a poor sad warrior as on a support mage for exemple.
So just give shields on casters, make them use bouncing shield, and give to your warriors some big 2h GUN to amuse themselves. Be a nice guy, warriors want to have fun !
