ask yourself; how much has marriage added to the game? how about hide or studded armor? you already have armor better than them right out of the starter dungeon, clearly they arent very pragmatic additions to the series. why on earth are you thinking about this from a "pragmatic" standpoint? games are about fun, not efficiency, and TES games are moreover about having choice; spears should be in for no other reason than people want to poke things with a stick.

Why not? The snow prince used one soooo.....

It's the matter of choices. People choose swords, axes, maces or whatever so I don't see any harm adding spears into the mix.

IMO spears would be a good addition to the game. It can be used as a one-handed, two-handed or ranged weapon, which gives it a unique place in the game, but is not exceptional in either role so won't be a super-weapon.

In single-handed role, the spear can be thrusted forward suddenly, but it requires accuracy and skill, but allows you to use a shield. In two-handed role, it can be used with a thrust, swipe, or block, and keeps the opponent at a middle distance, however it wouldn't require a whole lot of skill. Could have a cornered bonus against wild animals, so that if you were lucky enough and your back was to a solid wall, an animal might impale itself on it and remain a short distance away. In a ranged role, it requires strength and accuracy, and can deal a lot of damage, but is a one-shot device. Might be very useful with a sneak perk however.

So IMO the spear could have a lot of usage with various skill mixes, and as you increase in certain skills the spear could gradually be used in different ways as you progress.