Hammer wars are at a disadvantage

Hammers have been like this since.... the start of GW?
They are perfectly balanced as they are with their higher dmg outputs.
Defensive... well doesn't it sound logical that someone without a shield has less def. then someone with a shield?

I think the OP misses one very important point, GW is more about skill combinations then item stats.

Hammers are not weak in PvE. Consider the hammer warrior hench Devona, for example. She seems nearly invulnerable! Look her up on wiki and see what skills she is using, especially in Eye of the North. "She is more durable than most henchmen." says wiki. More durable with no defensive stance; and what is she using for a heal? Healing Signet!

This thread actually makes me want to play a hammer war.

*runs off to start capping hammer elites*

Dude hammers are more PvP oriented because of their KDs and high dmg per hit