THJ got around this by handcrafting special 2hers for shd and 1hs for pally. Like the SHD epic for example I remember was BIS until like POP, hugely buffed. Also Bows for rangers were buffed. This plus AA like the pally ones where with equipped shield you did ass loads extra dam, it was prolly better than dual wield. But I never tested it vs dual wield or anything. All I know my SK did ass loads of dam with 2hers and pally with shield and 1hs.
Later since WAR was lagging behind, I think during POP, they buffed heroic strength. they were really active in the discord and listened to everyones gripes. I mean everyone bitches but they had OK balance in the end IMO.
Well except pet cucks, they were really hesitant on nerfing them. Prob because everyone had one and a shit storm would ensue. But yeah pet cucks were really the go to for the entire life of that server. It was just the easiest to play.