But everyone may not decide to get LH.  I think the OP is correct, they should change the axes in some way.

So what if not everyone will get LH? They're changing a bunch of the core game mechanics already which will not be backported to FE vanilla.  Based on Stardock's history, I don't see why they would use the time/resources do it in this instance either.

I just hope they fix the UI and weapon paths, so I can choose between 1 handed axes or 1 handed swords, and not just "1 handed cutting".

The modding friendly version would include a line where the modder would put in "Type: 1 handed Sword" and each weapon with the same type would be included in the same line of upgrades.

Sincerely
~ Kongdej

I actually recently solved this problem of the game not upgrading weapons properly.  Though to be honest its a bit of a pain.  I created a 4th melee damage type called sundering (axes) and had to implement it universally throughout the game.  I kept the stats for it the same as cutting but by having it as a separate damage type the troop upgrade function recognizes it as its own category.  You Then have to make each tier of weapons slightly better and make sure "magic" weapons have 1 damage higher to upgrade to them as opposed to regular weapons.

Basically it goes Blunt/Slashing(swords)/Sundering(axes)/Piercing with daggers, spears, and bows falling under piercing.  I am still playing with the numbers for weapons but it seems to work fine and yes the AI uses it and beats me up with it.

You would have to make a melee damage type for each of those and then add the corresponding defenses to each item/creature/unit/improvement/ability in the game.  Not saying you can't, just understand what you are asking for.  What would fall under exotic for the purposes within the game?