I've had a different problem with bukkit and command blocks. The /clear command, when set to clear specific pieces of armor, will not clear them if you are wearing them. But if these items are in your inventory and not being worn then they will be cleared fine. The only worn armor that is cleared with the /clear command are the boots. It was pretty annoying but that bug does not happen in vanilla.
A combat update: Dual wielding swords shields more bows new critical hits an added ring slot. Rings can be enchanted for spells.
The controls we have today could stay the same. But when you press the button to block with 2 swords you hit with the second. When you hold both you block. When you press the one for block right now for a shield bash. Hold both for a block. Ect. This would be awesome and is a bit overdue in my opinion.