I like using artes (or whatever the weapon skills are called. Are they just called weapon skills?) with everything except spears- it's the only way I've ever gotten experience in the spear skill, since that weapon isn't intuitive to me at all. The type doesn't matter as much as the stats and the skill effect, for me.
RF4 is the first game that I think I put in an effort to try to use all of the weapon types. In the past games, the twin blades and short sword have always been my favorites because of the speed. But I've come to find out that I actually really like the spear. Going in I thought it'd be my least favorite, but it really took me by surprise. I especially liked its 'power-up' move.
I tend to like Dual Blades the Best,but have started to like Long Sword and Gloves a lot because of the skills they have. The only one I really don't like is Spear.
I always use dual blades. I seem to have the best control over them. I only use spears when/if I have to.
Otherwise if a monster is attacking from an area I can reach, then I use my own pet monsters that can use long rage attacks.
Dual Blades for life!!!