I wouldn't say it discouraged shield use. It was more like trying to encourage you to learn how to use your shield more effectively. If you just stood there and let it get hit, it would be damaged, but if you shield-bashed, it wouldn't take any damage at all. Although, you can deflect most...
I usually just avoid getting one altogether if it's possible. If it's required to get a shield in order to start the game, then I typically purposefully lose it at the earliest opportunity. It's more fun to play without a shield for me. Sometimes I carry one for aesthetics purposes, but I hardly...