In all former weapon steps pre heavensward the upgrade of weapon and shield for pld were seperate. You needed the wepons/left side gear item for the sword and the accessory/right side item for the shield. People also complained there... Think the new version is better also that swird/shield now drop together... While i still think you should be able to loot there as one item...

Anyway pld has that special position as the only DoW using an offhand so guess however you turn it it will feel off.