I was surprised that the Devs had go the down ward jab so correct!
Yes the animation needs work but come on folks the upward thrust uses all your SECONDARY muscle groups the downward jab as well as having gravity on its side uses the main musculature of the arm! What would you use if trying to pierce chain-mail etc?

That said, yup needs work and "sexing up" for the game. Its not a historical re enactment and I am tired of having to throw my spears at point blank as the only way of hitting anything slightly down-slope of me!