For more common, ‘run of the mill’ shields I think the system works. Though I agree with you in regards to the famed and crafted items, like the Schrat shield and so forth. Working so hard to secure that famed shield, possibly losing a brother in the process should net you something you can keep in the long run. And it does suck for that shield worth a brother’s life to be destroyed in the next city defense after waves of orcs.
