Thanks for mentioning the video, Hobgoblin. It was very enlightening.
Part way through I thought, "Ah, but what about armour?" but this was also answered and, again, spear seemed superior.
The spear/shield combo one-on-one is possibly disadvantaged through a shorter reach (needing to hold the spear at mid-shaft).
So, for a fantasy setting at least, if you are skirmishing when there are nasty bow armed orcsesesss about you might prefer sword and shield, otherwise go for a spear.
Possibly all my miniatures need to rearm!