lil yam - good points all around.

i would clarify though that when i said DE was over-rated, i meant it wasnt as good as all the raves it gets - not that it's one of the best weapons in the game. (probably the language thing, sorry.) i would agree that light sword and coc top that list (at least of items i've gotten a chance to trial).

scatter - using your own example, 2 extra hits with the light sword will yield the same extra couple hundred points of damage you're raving about from DE. AND you dont have to worry about those annoying misses that come with both weapons because you're hindered by dual weapon skill.

my point being - it's not actually BETTER. it's comparable. and the defense from a shield tilts the balance in one-handed favour.

regarding training - if you read my first line, you'll notice i say where people draw that line is "for better or worse (it's a personal choice)." i never have, nor did i in this case, put any moral judgment on training.