The problem with pikes

[max]

Ok, i understand much better, and makes it more balanced. Spears could be treated the same, but without the -1 as they are smaller and easier to use, and only in one extra rank. If the opponant is also using a spear it could cancel the effect out as both are at arms length (same for pikes vs pikes).
This could change the game a lot though, not saying it's bad however.

You could use the users strength, as it is a normal attack/thrust, unless it proves too powerful. I will try it out.

For lances, it could be treated as a throwing weapon, with the +1 to wound perhaps for the 'charge bonus', and when in contact the fighter draws his sidearm and continues. In this case, the lance would be treated as a 'one shot' weapon.

I think if you do change the rules of pikes, i only seems logic to do so with spears and lances, an 'all or nothing' or else there will be too many 'if he fights that enemy he uses rule 1, if fights the other use rule 2'. I will try them out and post my thoughts.