Anyway, superb and fascinating write-up, with lots to consider. I’m thinking it would be good for a ‘best of’ post (unless you object), but I first wanted to ask… uh, let’s see.

By all means, go ahead!

I couldn’t help notice that you placed the sword last, there. Now, I have some ideas about why that might be, but they’re just ideas.

What say you, good sir– was the sword really that lesser-practical in such situations?

Basically, swords, especially knightly arming swords of the period, weren’t great at getting through armor, even quilted armor. First priority is getting through, then other considerations.