Celebrim
Legend
For fighter type characters, the main equipment they use is as important as their personality, and likely more important than their background.
This is a flaw in the 3.X fighter, and really a flaw that has been around since the introduction of the idea of specialization (which I've detested since 1e). I consider it practically a non-issue in my current house rules, but I do understand where you are coming from if you are using stock RAW.
Very Bad: You find an Elven crafted Warhammer with woodland scenes on it in delicate filigree. It's a +6 Flaming Burst, Undead Bane weapon. (Looks at the 6 Battlehammer feats that I'd no longer be able to use)(Item is never seen again)(Am a little bit annoyed that the GM want's me to be grateful for something that is so close to useful I can almost taste it, but it mostly feels like a knife twisting).
That you consider this very bad is to me proof of system disfunctionality, since it is to me a clear indication of better DMing than the things you consider 'good'. Sadly, not all good DMs are also good rulesmiths, although I'd generally expect a good DM to also make the awesome find a 'battlehammer' (whatever the heck that is) if he knew you were focused as a user of only one type of weapon.
That the Knight is stuck using studded leather and a dagger for levels (because he can't get magical knightly weapons and armor) is just screwing over the character.
Errr... seriously... does this ever happen?