for F2P, Rune berserker is still worth getting, just don't charge it. Ordinary shields don't give a Strength bonus. [bleep]ed & Berserkers do. A Rune Berserker(0) gives +2 which increases your max hits. Speeds up combat training. You lose def bonus compared to a Rune Kite but if your def is high enough it doesn't make much dif & you can always use better food if needed.