Over-arm spears?

[Elthore]

I havent read the whole thread, so sorry if this has been posted already...but


The first post mentions that if you hold a spear in the center, and someone hits it, they would have more leverage. This is not correct. They would actually have LESS leverage since the front end has less length than it would if it were held underhand. This would also give more control, and possibly allow the spearmen to fight more...dexteriously? yea
Also the extra length at the rear would not merely be counter-weight but would still help in penetrating armour(and flesh) in a thrust.

[Wandarah]

Seems to me like in the underarm depiction the hoplite is facing a horse.

In all the overarm depictions shown, they appear to be man vs man.