well, this was partly involved in my all encompassing Defensive Skill idea, which would include abilities in Shield movement, and also being able to block an attack with, say, the platemail on your arm, or your helmet even ... just something to "avoid" a critical strike to the fleshy bits. For less lightly armored folk, Defensive Skill would more unilaterally mean speed and agility, with probably a good bit of parrying thrown in as well. (I would like a parry ability, but doubt it will be included). Actually anyone with a good weapon or shield could be good at parrying (except a non-fixed weapon like a mace, and axes are hard to parry with, especially if the wooden handle "is actually wooden" and can be chopped through) and that would go into Defensive Skill.
However, it seems like Defensive Skill, Offensive Skill, Dexterity, Strength, Agility, Luck, and Uberness, are all rolled into our all-encompassing "Strength" stat, which is often referred to as HP. ATTACK and DEFENSE in this system is purely the sharpness of the weapon or the toughness of the armor. Its essentially Penetration vs Protection ... and so its all based on what weapon or armor you have, the bigger the badder the better.
I actually like the all-encompassing "Strength" stat approach, with the attack and defense being Pierce vs Protection. It will be fun to try out, and will perhaps be (according to frogboy) a more realistic representation of warfare. I would like to see it in action, and would be happy as mittens if it was at least kept through Christmas so I can try it out in the second Beta (although I think most of the current battle system will make it all the way to release). We will just have to wait n' see. Again, can't wait for battle testing! 