because then maybe bethesda would of put effort into making them have damage models and maybe a weapon could explode and end up lookign like this

http://www.bazaardesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/hammer-broken-striking-a-nail1.jpg

I agree. I don't see how you couldn't fit that in with the new smithing skill.

They would need a radically different repair system than in the past. The notion of being able to fix armor just by hitting it with a hammer is more eyebrow-raising to me than weapons that never break.

I'm mixed with this, though i enjoy not having to repair my weapons constantly and spending so much on repair hammers I miss the actual realistic feel of maintaining one's gear.