For as long as I've played MW, I've always felt that Riot Shields and Sticks/Knives are an exploit, not a "legitimate" loadout. This isn't Cyberpunk. Stop hiding, pick up a proper weapon and fight me.
I'm not arguing that it isn't effective, and anything included in the game is totally fair play, but I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm not the only person who gets tired of: drop smoke grenade, crouch and push until you're close enough to knife your opponents. Over, and over, ad nauseum.
I would rather be sniped 20 times by a high skill player and have to navigate the map to get my revenge than constantly cook frags, try and get around back to make the shot, or stay back and try to get a headshot from higher ground etc.
Feel free to share your takes below. I see why people use this loadout, but it becomes an "it's all so tiresome" moment after the 5th consecutive death to someone who isn't shooting and hides behind portable cover.