I’ve created a now closed topic covering my points in more detail here, but I would like to bring some conversation back into it and ask formally under this survey.
By reasons explained in the above mentioned topic, I believe that there should be some restriction to what constitutes a spear. Some close-cut options should be available in the design portion of the contest, as it allows for more creative works. However, as for these that can not act like a spear, the art portion should have the liberty to fix them such that they can be viewed as spears. As I demonstrated, there does not need to be far too much alteration to make something like a hook scythe or a pole-sword balanced and piercing like a spear.
My main concern stems from a response on the previous feedback topic that, due to its ambiguous wording, would allow for horizontal striking weapons such as pickaxes and scythes to be allowed. Which just, purely, does not even come close to the definition of a spear. Of course, small bladed scythes, hammers, pickaxes, axes, etc. can have a piercing end to them, which could fit the generalizing nature of Bionicle as to what a spear is. Like this, for instance. What I really want to prevent are weapons like the scythe in this proceeding image to be accepted as a spear.
These types of weapons would be very difficult to morph into a spear aesthetic without changing the dimensions of it greatly. As there would likely be great outcry from artists providing such dramatic changes, I don’t think these types of horizontal striking weapons should be allowed for the design portion of the contest.
And for those who want to argue about a spear’s functionality:
a thrusting or throwing weapon with long shaft and sharp head or blade