Here are a few changes I'd make that would make me consider ever putting a sword on. 1) Only matching damage types pierce your shield. All other damage is negated, but will cost slightly more energy per block. 2) Increase PvE damage by 100%. The risk/reward for swords isn't worth it currently because you have to be on top of an enemy to damage them. Doubling their damage will make them worth using. 3) Increase heavy attack animation speed. The heavy attack should be the best option for single target damage and it shouldn't be close to light attack dps. 4) Lightweight frames intrinsically have Assassin's Blade. Adaptive frames intrinsically have Whirlwind Blade. Aggressive frames intrinsically have Tireless Blade. This would differentiate all swords and give each a new use outside of damage.