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That choice is probably intentional. It really depends on what the group needs. (At least, I hope that's how most players look at it.)

If I were looking to go full defender, mechanically, I would also choose the higher AC. What if that doesn't fit with the player's concept for or image of their character, though? Maybe they want their character to be a berzerker and, for that, they like the idea of marking representing that the enemy remains intimidated or that once they strike out at an enemy, they don't stop. Maybe they're even mechanically a multiclass barbarian. In that case, going for a big weapon makes sense. In this hypothetical situation, maybe this player didn't even want to play a defender class but they "took one for the team" and are playing a fighter instead of the barbarian that they wanted to play.

I guess I can't help with the nitty gritty details of what things should, ideally, be like. I think most players are like me in that, though. We have a firm grasp of the system, we may even know a trick or exploit or two, but we're not hardcore min/maxers. Since most groups are probably like that, perfection might not be intended in the design. I like that non-ideal options are left available to me.

Knowing you, this probably isn't helpful or easing in any way. Sorry about that. I'm just trying to put a different perspective on it. I might even be right and it's why things are the way they are.

PS: The guild misses you, as we do all our wandering brothers.

PPS: Didn't you start using your own system, anyway?