The Pushing Match

[QuintusSertorius]

Doesn't seem like there was any way to use a spear in the conditions described here. A spear's principle advantage is reach, which you don't have anymore; add to that the fact that they apparently broke often, and it seems that carrying one instead of a sword would just be ridiculous.

Later phalangites might have lacked a backup weapon, but no one ever used a spear instead of a sword. You carried both, the spear was primary and as throughout the ages the sword was the backup weapon of choice.

A spear is much worse when its used in a 1v1 situation.

Colour me totally unconvinced by that rather comical display.

[antisocialmunky]

That's like saying a knife beats a gun if the gun can't shoot at you.