I don't want to play a caster with a shield. It's a complete flavor fail. But when the proficiency is there, it feels like I'm intentionally gimping myself if I don't use one for a better AC.
I really dislike the militia thing for humans and half-elves. It feels slapped on for mechanical reasons rather than flavor and verisimilitude.
Agreed, I have even problems watching YT vids about BG where casters with shields are walking around. It's so, so bad (to me). But I'm old, it's probably not a problem for most people nowadays.
