Probably because the shield shadow is a bit much as a pointer, it would make a mess of the shadow cast as a pointer, but I can see the reason... the sexy hand the shield would cast would make for a decorative plus, it was a worthy attempt.
Dont forget you can add as much detail as you want when you get the basic's down so try different stuff, the flame at the top of the torch doesn't effect the dial... I just used it as a small pole in my small dial.
Have fun playing with the idea between heroic deeds and mead, its fun to play with the games 'stuff'.