Well 1 thing javelins should do is slow down a charge from the enemy. As javelins had a second purpose to killing. If the javelin hit the shield, the carrier either had to take the time to break it out or ditch the shield. The javelin was'nt too heavy but stuck in a shield made it awkward to handle.

And on top of that if a guy dies or has to or is slowed down by the javelin the guy(s) behind him also slow down or go around.

Oh yeah and I came across a reference to a battle Hannibal was in and the Iberians used flaming pila............. just do'nt let Activision find out or you'll know what CA will be doing......