A big drawback is kinda the lack of attack maneuvers.
You could say that having more ways of attacking is redundant because ultimately it doesn't matter if you hit the head or toe but i think thrusting for example could help
you maintain more distance from your foes and its generally a good way of attacking when using a shield. But there is no thrusting.. nor there is a upward attack.
We are left with the same slashing attacks that can potentially become dull and not be the most proper way of attacking.
Even if it doesn't matter how we attack.. at least let us imagine that it would work.. :meh:
If the game in the end as more maneuvers then i'm sorry for this thread, consider it then as a complain on Oblivion that should be revised for Skyrim.