system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Star Wars] Why don't Jedi, Sith, and other force wielding factions use shields in one hand and lightsaber pikes in the other?

I realize there's Darth Desolous but he was an isolated example more than anything in the galaxy.

Not only could you have a good defense, but the pike would give you a massive range advantage.

In my time researching ancient fighting styles of planets across the galaxy, I came to one frank realization; Swords are frankly pretty romanticized and overrated, considering they were nothing more than sidearms, in the same way small slugthrowers and blaster pistols are romanticized (Damn you bounty hunters spreading your dumb ideas!).

You could give polearms cheaply out to masses of peasants and they could stop cavalry before they attacked them. 

You have reach and the ability to hit your foe before he does to you.

Why weren't shields and pikes given out to force-users to fight with?
gpt
Spears and similar pole-weapons have some very strong advantages in massed combat, but in duels are relatively easy for skilled swordsmen to counter. Once you are inside the reach of the sword, all advantages from the spear disappear, and are replaced with some notable disadvantages. There is a reason why, traditionally, swords have been far more common in single combat and in duels, and that is their relative versatility in close quarters. 

I think the popularity of the Lightsaber is derived from its strength as a dueling weapon, as this is the kind of combat that both Jedi and Sith have gravitated towards. Even when squared off in large formations, Jedi and Sith have a tendency to pair down into dueling parties rather than typical infantry melee.