This is definitely more of a philosophical debate than anything else. The comparison is more for one on one fights as opposed to a war situation. The staff may not have a lethal blade, but it's a more flexible weapon since you aren't locked down to using the pointy end. Blunt trauma is no joke either. On the battle field of old you'd be ill-advised to use a staff over a spear. But for personal protection and 1v1 situations it comes down to preference, training, and experience doesn't it? And IMO that's the issue with technological advancements and weapons.
