WaterRabbit
Explorer
If you want to say "the base weapon load given out by classes at 1st level is a ridiculous load to carry and can't be used" that's fine for your game, but don't try to pretend that is a actual rule of the game. Trying to disqualify someone's general discussion because of either your own house rule doesn't fly.
Let's see how many of the 1st level weapon-focused classes you would disqualify.
Barbarians - 6-7 weapons
Fighter - 3-5 weapons/shields.
Paladin - 3-7 weapons
Ranger - 3 weapons - woo, they fit!
Rogues - 4 weapons
Demonstrably, the designers don't agree with you.
Yet the designers went for a lot more weapons. And didn't include any of the rules about "getting in the way". I can't talk abotu why, because it's a heroic game, or not wanting to clutter up the rules and add complexity, all I can do is definitely point out that starting characters are expected to be able to carry and use up to seven weapon.
Again, designer are explicitly fine with seven weapons, and implicitly fine with any number that fits encumbrance. You curtaining it at less is a house rule. Even if you don't recognize it as a house rule.
I'm all for house rules to adjust the game for a table, but using it as a foundation to try to prove your point in a general discussion that includes other tables isn't useful.
You are making a silly assumption. You are assuming that the starting weapons all can be equipped at the same time. That is neither supported nor implied by the rules. Owning does not mean they can all be equipped. It is also silly as many games just have the characters buy their starting equipment.
This has been a line of question has been around for every version of D&D I have played (all except 4th). I don't believe it is addressed in the current rule set one way or another. Your "line of evidence" is based upon your own biases and assumptions, nothing more and is flimsy at best for trying to make your case.
You can call it a house rule, but again you are mistaken about a house rule versus an adjudication.
If a player can show me how they can carry a greataxe, two handaxes, 4 javelins, a pike and a greatclub (your example) and not have them interfere with fighting, dungeon delving, running, etc. then fine. Otherwise, a bit of common sense goes a long way in answering this question.
The 3 weapon limit "house rule" is the most common adjudication I have seen.
A heroic game does not require that characters can pull weapons out of their arse, so that is just a silly comment as well. Conan only uses and carries one weapon and that certainty qualifies as heroic.
If a player wants to carry a truckload of weapons, they can try to get a bag of holding which should not be that difficult in most games as it is an uncommon minor item.