pretty sure thats intended, I'm assuming blunt damage is supposed to ignore more damage absorbtion than piercing, which is still supposed to be better than cutting. atm the damage type doesn't seem to matter though
she uses a slot, yes. but your spouse is a better leader than any companion you meet in a tavern. the good ones start with 120 or so steward, she gets a full set of high end armor (which you can use for yourself, im speaking 40+ of armor) and starts with some free units, some elite aswell. on top of that, she pays you as long as her party doesn't grow too large. she is able to lead 80+ soldiers right of the bat.
thats easy, put your infantry on horses...
can confirm this, my steward skill was "locked" to 110 but it leveled to 113 until i could put another focus point into it.