Swords also require reinforcing along the entire blade, or they break, which is the main reason why they require a skilled craftsman. Ballance is a matter of taste, some swordsmen prefer a point heavy weapon, to smash through armor, while others want a quick blade balanced by a heavy pommel. (The point of balance usually at, or in front of the hilt.) I've actually made swords.Role play wise?
In real life, your choice of sword, mace or axe would be a question of both social standing and culture.
Swords are expensive to produce. Being nearly entirely made of metal, from the tip of the blade to the butt of the pommel. They are the most labor, materials and skill intensive weapon to produce. An experienced weapon smith can make and properly balance a sword and only a relatively wealthy individual to afford one. This is why the sword gained the reputation as a noble's weapon (eventually a hero's weapon in traditional literature). In many cultures, a fine sword was a statement of an individuals class as much as it is a weapon.
Axes and Maces are less complex and can be more economically produced. They are a comparatively simple, being largely comprised of a wooden handle or grip with only the head being made of metal. They required less specialized labor and materials to produce, and so along with pikes and spears were often used to outfit rank and file soldiers in conscripted armies.
Gameplay wise, I prefer swords. Their increased speed is worth it for the very small degrade in damage compared to the slower maxes or axes.
Archer/2handed actually works extremely well. The transition is a little slow, but you can Block/bash effectively with a greatsword (but not a dagger) and the massive damage is great for 1HK when you've already softened them up. (And keeps up with the Damage of the Bow, which is always greater with the same tier of Weapon/Arrow/Smithing.) The Reach means you can also use footwork to keep sword/boarders where you can hit them, but they can't hit you. (Especially with the Headsman's Axe, which swings faster.) Just use Bash instead of Power Attacks, except Great Critical Charge, which starts the fight with a Stagger. Nord works really well for this build. (With a Battleaxe, I call it the Woodsman.)I'm thinking my next character will be an archer type so the two handed may still have to wait....