I recall and that the logic behind picking up items while having your hands full of shields also played into what they demanded of my coding. That is why you can't dual-wield shields or briefcases for example.
Still, I would've been perfectly happy to have them just be armor just covered the torso, head, and one arm/hand. Adding the mechanics behind shields as, well, SHIELDS was interesting, but a pain in the ass and leads to a lot of realism fuckery, as has been demonstrated. o3o
EDIT: Meanwhile in Dwarf Fortress...I've returned home. My deeds are now to be told, and I soon find all that remains is to hunt a mere giant bat. I swept across the continent, purging the undead-infested land of monsters, of dragons, of titans. I found faraway civilizations, wracked with war and brigandry, and forged peace single-handedly.
For the first adventure in ages, I am actually PLEASED, not bored, to have nothing more to do.