I don't see how one of the most bloodthirsty NPCs just standing there doing nothing is "as designed". I don't care if he deals almost zero damage as long as he's actually participating in the fight. It doesn't even make sense for him to say things like "let's lay the man to rest!" in anticipation of fighting someone, and then literally standing motionless, observing that fight he was just stoked for. Not only is it a bad call immersion/story-wise, it's just not fun being constantly downed and being unable to avoid that no matter what. Even with high toughness and vitality, being outnumbered and shot at by a ton of archers, it's just grueling and an exercise in mitigating frustration.