I had a bit of a random thought this morning. I know it's a lot more work, but in a game with combat skills (Elder Scrolls, FFXI, etc.) it could add some cool flavour if as you added to those skills your character got visibly more competent with the weapon.
Not as though your character would start out completely stupid like holding the wrong side of a sword, but just subtly a deeper stance or more tactful and precise strikes. Perhaps add in a few new combat animations.
I guess FFXI already sort of does this with weapon skills gaining new animations.
