When you spend time with one of these, it's obvious that hurting yourself is a distinct possibility if you don't know what you're doing. Any sword is really just a lever, but with one this long there's a lot of velocity generated out on the business end. It would be fairly easy to lop off your own foot if you're not paying attention.
You're right, the soldiers who used these usually were some of the higher paid troops. Whether this is because they were more skilled, or because the job was more hazardous we don't know.
It's best to avoid Albion's website, unless you want to spend some money.